New dog rules introduced by Tower Hamlets council

Under the new rules dogs must be kept on a lead on pathways in Victoria Park

Dogs will be banned from all gated children's areas and must be kept on a lead on pathways after an east London council approved new rules under a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

The move, by Tower Hamlets council, follows several attacks by dogs since 2023, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Councillor Shafi Ahmed said the council knew the majority of dog owners were responsible and their animals posed no risk of harm.

However, he added, "several high-profile incidents" led to residents expressing concern about dangerous dogs, particularly about risks to young children.

Owners who do not clean up after their dog in Victoria Park could now be fined

Tower Hamlets has the eighth highest crime reports relating to dog attacks out of all 32 London boroughs. Tower Hamlets will join neighbouring boroughs Newham and Hackney, which have had dog control PSPOs in place for many years.

According to internal police data, there were 92 dog attack crime reports in the borough between April and October 2024.

Under the new rules, dogs will still be allowed to play off-lead freely in all parks and green spaces in the borough but the following measures will be introduced in the autumn:

• Dogs will be banned from certain areas such as gated children's play areas and sports areas

• A maximum of four dogs per person, unless they have a professional dog walker licence issued by the council

• Dogs must be kept on leads on or near roads, pavements and communal estate areas

• Owners must put their dog on a lead if an authorised officer asks them to

• Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for dog fouling as well as all of the above.

The new rules will not apply to people who are registered blind, are deaf and those with a physical or mental impairment who use dogs for assistance, in line with the Equality Act 2010.