VICTORY!

 
“The Hackney Council recommendation is to NOT implement the consultation proposals to require dogs on leads” - Abney Park N16

Thank you to everybody that supported the campaign over the last 6 months. The amount we love our dogs and how far we are willing to go for them, should never be underestimated! Every share, every email, letter, FOI request, social media debate, gate watch, survey, data collection, flyer distribution, media interview, fact check and every other way we made this happen, as a community, was worth it! Now we can breathe and enjoy Abney with respect and gratitude, as the much loved community space and nature reserve that it is. 
WE DID IT!

 

The full report and it’s finding are viewable here - https://hackney.moderngov.co.uk/documents/g5701/Public%20reports%20pack%20Monday%2026-Feb-2024%2018.00%20Cabinet.pdf?T=10
 

 

 

 

 

Locals and users of Abney Park have recently been made aware of Hackney councils/The Abney Park Trust plans to impose a ‘dogs on lead’ PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order) in Abney Park by March 2024. This is supposedly due to an increased number of reports of anti-social behaviour with dogs in the Hackney borough, the UK in general and the consultation mentions the affects of dogs on Elk and Sheep. More info on the proposed plans can be found here https://consultation.hackney.gov.uk/communications-engagement/dog-control-public-space-protection-order

This has come as a shock to most users of the park, as dogs have been able to roam free there for countless years, they have coexisted with the diverse and abundant flora and fauna and most users, whether they are dog owners or not, have never encountered serious problems with anti-social behaviour with dogs in the park.

Stoke-Newington is one of the most dog-friendly places in London, with many households owning dogs, yet in the 55 acres of Clissold Park, there are 6 “dog free areas” dogs must also be kept on leads near the 2 ponds and the stretch of water infront of the cafe, going round to the splash pad. This leaves 3 areas where dog owners can exercise their dogs off-lead. During the summer months, these areas are packed with kids holiday/sports camps, picnickers, litter etc and by autumn/winter time, the grass has been ruined and becomes a muddy pit, which you cannot walk on.

For a lot of people, Abney Park is a quiet, shady and sheltered alternative to Clissold park and the only real alternative in the area, for dogs to get the exercise and enrichment they require. It is a calmer walk for nervous or older pets, with less stimulation from loud noises, big crowds, children’s playgrounds etc

There is an online survey to complete at the bottom of the proposal page but please be aware that the survey is very leading and geared towards getting people to give the answers required, to support the proposal and push it through.

Abney Park is a place much loved by people and their pets. Let’s stand together to make sure responsible users, dog owners and dog walkers, will be able to use the facility as they have done for many many years. Please show your support by signing the petition, sharing it and adding any comments or opinions you feel you would like to.

We also recommend emailing local councillors, setting out your views and inviting their response.
 
susan.fajanathomas@hackney.gov.uk - Cabinet member with responsibility for this issue on Hackney Council

mete.coban@hackney.gov.uk and - Stoke Newington Ward Councillor

gilbert.smyth@hackney.gov.uk - Stoke Newington Ward Councillor (plus your local councillor if different)

anntoinette.bramble@hackney.gov.uk - Acting Mayor of Hackney

diane.abbott.office@parliament.uk
Our local representatives need to know the strength of feeling locally on this matter.

**Please copy in the group email: abneyparkdogsusersgroup@gmail.com so we can keep track of responses**

The more angles we go at this from, the better the chance of success.

Thank you