Dogs in our parks
Dogs need exercise and are welcome with their owners in our parks. Our parks are for all our residents to enjoy. We ask dog owners to be respectful of other park users and to keep their dogs under close control at all times.
Bag and bin your dog's mess
Dog mess left in parks is unhygienic and unpleasant for other park users. It can be dangerous for children who might pick it up without knowing it is bad for them. Dog mess can also harm plants and animals.
Failure to clean up after your dog is an offence under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. You could face a fixed penalty of £50 or prosecution if you fail to pick up after your dog.
Dog mess should be placed in a sealed bag and put in any park litter bin or bin at home. Prosecution for the offence carries a maximum fine of £1,000 plus costs upon conviction.
Respecting other park users
Some people, especially children, find dogs intimidating. Please follow the guidance to keep our parks enjoyable for all park users:
Do
- Keep your dog in sight and under close control at all times
- Put your dog on a lead if necessary
- Remember other park users may be afraid of your dog
- Make sure your dog doesn’t disturb or harass wildlife
- Keep your dogs out of children’s play areas and fenced sports and exercise areas.
Don’t
- Let your dog run and jump on other people or dogs without an invitation
- Let your dog enter water such as canals or lakes in parks, especially when it is icy or during the spring/summer waterfowl breeding season
- Allow your dog to damage play equipment or any other park equipment like seating.
- Allow your dog to damage trees. They can get infected or die when bark or branches are damaged
Dogs that damage public property
Allowing your dog to damage property is a criminal offence. This includes trees and children’s play equipment.
If you see a dog damaging property please contact the Police on 101 in non-emergency circumstances or dial 999 for urgent problems.
Dog training
Training a dog can be very rewarding. You can get advice about dog training from your vet and animal welfare organisations.
Animal welfare service
As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to look after your dog and make sure it doesn’t stray. Your dog must wear a tag by law when out in a public place.
Dangerous dogs should be reported to the police. If you see a stray dog, please call our animal warden service:
Tel: 020 7364 5000
Email: Environmental.Protection@towerhamlets.gov.uk