I am a resident of Cusworth, Doncaster who frequently walks my on-lead dog through Cusworth Hall Country Park. Too often, my puppy and I have faced frightening situations when approached by off-lead dogs, especially those with owners who have no recall. This is not unique to me: numerous other pet owners in the area have expressed the same anxiety. This issue points to a larger community problem, requiring attention and proactive solutions.

Currently, there are no officially allocated areas for allowing the dog off-lead (apart from round the lakes and the children’s play area). There is no safe place for families with children to enjoy a pic-nic without fear of an unwanted dog approaching. The whole park is free for loose dogs so nowhere safe in the knowledge that all dogs are on-lead and under control, despite the signage at every park entrance. This lack of clarity and consistency creates confusion and can lead to clashes between people and their dogs. According to the UK's Dogs Trust, inappropriate interactions between on and off-lead dogs can lead to stress, fear, and potentially escalate to aggressive encounters. Moreover, 49% of UK residents feel anxious when they encounter an unknown off-lead dog while walking their own pet on-lead.  It is only a matter of time before there is a serious incident and hopefully a child will not be involved.

The solution lies in the provision of designated spaces for off-lead and on-lead dog walking. Such a regulation will ensure that dogs and their owners feel safe during their outdoor activities. It also aids responsible pet ownership and ensures our furry companions also get to enjoy their outdoor time without causing distress to others.

Therefore, we call on the local authority and Cusworth park managers to implement such zoning and help create a safer, more harmonious environment for all.  Please sign this petition to show your endorsement of this proposition and help ensure safety for our canine companions and their owners.