| Campaigners oppose proposed PSPO
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Issue: 15/11/2024
Over 2,500 people have signed a petition opposing a Personal Space Protection Order (PSPO) opponents say is a “back door ban on dogs”.
The East London Dog Community is opposed to a proposed PSPO by Tower Hamlets council. The campaigners in a post in X said, “Please can we ask for your help to stop Tower Hamlets Council who are trying to bring in a back door ban on dogs. They want to stop responsible owners from having the freedom to have their dogs off lead in all parks! This runs a coach and horse through Defra guidance and Animal Welfare Act!”
Tower Hamlets council has launched a consultation on proposals to limit the number of dogs that can be walked to four and it will identify areas where dogs have to be kept on leads at all times. Under the order, dog owners could face fines ranging from £100 and £1,000.
Campaigners object to the proposed banning of off-lead dogs in parks, the lack of consideration for elderly people or people with disabilities and the arbitrary limits on the number of dogs that an individual can walk.
People who are registered blind, and/or have a disability which requires an assistance dog are exempt from a dog control PSPO.
They believe the proposals are “detrimental to the well-being of our community and our canine companions.” Instead of the PSPO, they feel the existing laws should be enforced more effectively and the council should be promoting responsible dog ownership through education.
Following several dog attacks in 2023, the council felt it had to act and they were advised that a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for controlling dogs would be the appropriate tool to support council officers to limit the number of incidents of anti-social behaviour relating to dog control.
They admit that “The vast majority of dogs are peaceful and dog owners are law-abiding and respectful of others around them.
“It is therefore important to ensure we neither demonise all dogs nor penalise responsible dog owners, and that any action we take is proportionate. It is important that any action taken goes hand in hand with looking at how we tackle fear, misinformation and negative perceptions about dog behaviour and control.”
In defence of the proposal to limit the number of dogs that can be walked to four the council cites a professional dog walkers guidance document issued by the RSPCA which, “Recommends that, in the best interests of animal welfare, no more than four dogs should be walked by one person at any one time.”
They add, “The council will look at introducing fees and charges for licensing professional dog walkers which may entitle them to walk more than the maximum number allowed under the PSPO order.”
The council believes that once the PSPO is in place it will become normalised and they will then face little resistance from residents.
To see the consultation, go to - https://bit.ly/4dRzZvL
