Petition to Oppose the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Tower Hamlets

To: The Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Tower Hamlets Borough Council, and relevant stakeholders

We, the undersigned, are residents, dog owners, dog walkers, and concerned citizens who oppose the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in Tower Hamlets. This order includes two key measures that we believe are detrimental to the well-being of our community and our canine companions:

1. Mandatory Leashing of Dogs at All Times in Public Spaces
2. Restriction on the Number of Dogs a Dog Walker Can Handle

Reasons for Our Opposition

1. Mandatory Leashing of Dogs at All Times in Public Spaces:

Impact on Dogs' Well-being: Dogs need regular exercise and socialization for their physical and mental health. Allowing dogs to run freely in designated areas is essential for their development and happiness. Continuous leashing can lead to increased anxiety and behavioral problems in dogs.

Loss of Community Spirit: Many local parks and green spaces in Tower Hamlets serve as social hubs for dog owners. These spaces provide opportunities for community bonding and mutual support among residents. Enforcing leashing at all times would disrupt this community dynamic and limit social interactions.

Existing Regulations on Dangerous Dogs: Current legislation, such as the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and other local by-laws, already provides sufficient measures to address issues with dangerous or poorly behaved dogs. These laws ensure that any dog exhibiting aggressive behavior can be controlled and, if necessary, removed from public spaces. Implementing a blanket leash requirement is an excessive measure that penalizes all dog owners rather than targeting the problematic few.

Historical Tradition of Dog-Friendliness in the UK
The United Kingdom has a long-standing tradition of being a dog-friendly country. For centuries, dogs have been cherished companions and valued members of British households. The UK's parks, green spaces, and countryside have historically been places where dogs can run freely, socialise, and exercise. This tradition of dog-friendliness is an integral part of our cultural heritage and community life.

2. Restriction on the Number of Dogs a Dog Walker Can Handle:

Professional Impact: Many professional dog walkers rely on their ability to walk multiple dogs to sustain their businesses. Restricting the number of dogs they can walk will negatively impact their livelihoods and could lead to increased costs for dog owners.

Safety and Responsibility: Professional dog walkers are trained to manage multiple dogs effectively and safely. Arbitrary restrictions do not account for the skills and experience of individual dog walkers. Instead, regulations should focus on ensuring professional standards and proper training.
Unintended Consequences: Limiting the number of dogs per walker could lead to more frequent and unnecessary car journeys to transport dogs to and from different locations, increasing traffic and environmental impact.

Our Request

We respectfully request that the Tower Hamlets Borough Council reconsider these aspects of the PSPO. Existing regulations already address concerns about dog behaviour and safety. Instead of imposing new restrictive measures, we urge the council to enforce current laws more effectively.

By focusing on the enforcement of existing regulations, we can ensure that dogs who are a genuine threat to public safety are dealt with appropriately, without unnecessarily penalising responsible dog owners and professional dog walkers.

We urge the Tower Hamlets Borough Council to engage in an open dialogue with the community to find a fair and effective solution that reflects the needs and concerns of all stakeholders.

Sincerely,