New rules are in force across Hounslow to encourage responsible dog ownership and help keep the borough’s parks, pavements and public spaces clean, safe, and welcoming for all.
Backed by a borough-wide campaign which asks dog owners to Take The Lead, the new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) introduces clearer expectations for dog walkers and gives the Council powers to issue on-the-spot fines of £100 to those who don’t follow the rules. If unpaid, these fines can rise up to £1,000.
The new rules include several key requirements:
- Clean it up – dog walkers must clean up after their dog immediately and dispose of waste correctly
- Lead the way -
- Be prepared – dog walkers must carry either a poop scoop or disposable bags in order to clean up dog mess
- No dogs allowed in specified exclusion areas, including children’s play areas, sporting areas, remembrance gardens and certain areas of Bedfont Lakes Country Park and Hounslow Heath
- Only four dogs can be walked per person. It’s vital that anyone walking dogs is able to always remain in control of the animals, and walking over four dogs is likely to mean someone’s ability to stay in control is limited. This limit is supported by the RSPCA’s guidelines, as well as many pet business insurance policies.
- A ban on commercial dog walkers in Brent and Stamford Brook Common Recreation Ground in Chiswick. This is due to high numbers of resident complaints about commercial dog walkers in these areas.
More information on the rules and where they apply can be found here: Public spaces protection orders | London Borough of Hounslow.
The PSPO was introduced following two rounds of consultation with Hounslow residents, where people were asked for their views on the proposed rules.
69% of respondents to a survey carried out last year supported the implementation of the new rules, with many residents expressing concerns about dog fouling, feeling intimidated by poorly-controlled dogs and the need to protect children and vulnerable people.
Councillor Pritam Grewal, Cabinet Member for Community Safety. Customer Experience and Enforcement at Hounslow Council, said:
During the consultation we ran last year, our residents made their views clear. People have told us that they’re worried about issues including dog mess left on the ground, out-of-control dogs and dogs running free in areas like playgrounds and sports facilities.
Most dog owners in Hounslow already do the right thing by their community and their pets. However, when a small minority behave irresponsibly, this behaviour affects everyone.
Our parks and green spaces belong to everyone – and it’s important that we can all enjoy these spaces in safety and comfort.
These new rules, which carry clear consequences for those who fail to consider the wellbeing and safety of other park users, will help us deliver on our ambition to make Hounslow a safer, cleaner borough.
To raise awareness of the new rules, the Council has launched the ‘Take the Lead' campaign. Through video stories, posters, and social media, the campaign aims to inform and support dog owners to do the right thing, while reinforcing the importance of clean, respectful and safe behaviour in shared spaces.
