Are the Proposed Dog Laws in Parks and Reserves Fair?

We love to take our dogs for walks.  Not only are walks in open spaces vital for dog health, there are well documented benefits for humans as well.  As well as improved fitness levels, walking one's dog improves general wellbeing.  An important part of this is the opportunity to socialise with other dogs and walkers, and feeling part of this community.

There are millions of visits each year by dogs to parks and reserves across the UK. Walking dogs on the lead is necessary in most public places, so having somewhere to let your dog run freely and play openly with other dogs is why these parks and reserves are so popular.

An estimated 220,000 dog walkers visit Burnham Beeches each year, which explains the reaction to recent plans by The City of London Corporation to introduce new 'Dog Control Orders' at the popular reserve.  Worried dog owner fear that if successful, these plans could extend further across the Corporation's other walking areas including Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Ashtead, Kenley and Coulsdon Commons.

Dogs do have an impact and this impact needs to be monitored by the authorities.  For example, the habitats and species in parks and reserves need to be considered, as well as other visitors without dogs (there are 585,000 visitors in total to the Beeches reserve each year).

Most dog walkers are responsible and it seems a shame that the small group who are not cause problems which result in an increase in enforcement.  Rangers apparently deal with socially unacceptable dog-related incidents each week.  The incidents range from dogs’ faeces being left to dogs rearing up against people and even the ‘savaging’ of wildlife, including deer.

Unfortunately it seems that these incidents are becoming more and more frequent which is why a more enforceable approach is being planned.

While the whole of Burnham Beeches will be open to dogs, the new proposal means that there will only be 220 acres of the reserve where dogs can be off lead while the rest (60%) of the reserve with the most fragile habitats will remain open for dogs only on leads, providing an area for wildlife and walkers who do not want to interact with dogs.

Dog owners will be required to:

• pick up after their pet
• keep their dog on a lead (5m or less) in designated areas
• put their dog on a lead (5m or less) if requested by an authorised officer
• observe the existing dog-free zone at the Beeches Café
• Walk no more than four dogs at any one time

Failure to comply may result in a penalty fine.

Understanding the Proposed Rules

Many councils are introducing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) aimed at regulating dog behaviour in public areas. These typically include:

• Requiring dogs to be kept on a lead in certain areas

• Banning dogs from children’s play areas and sports pitches

• Limiting the number of dogs walked by one person

• Enforcing fines for not picking up dog mess or for not carrying waste bags

Fair enough?  No dog owner should complain about laws to enforce cleaning up after their dog and most would also accept that a Café in a general public area is not necessarily an appropriate place for dogs to be off lead. Perhaps walking a maximum of four dogs at a time is also fair, to ensure the walker remains in control of the dogs. The issue for dog walkers seems to be that, while 220 acres sounds like a big enough area for dogs to run off lead, the designated area is apparently less manicured, more gloomy and secluded and therefore a safety concern for women walkers.

Arguments in Support of the Rules

1. Improved Safety: Some areas have seen a rise in dog-related incidents, prompting concerns about children’s safety in shared spaces.

2. Cleaner Environments: These rules encourage responsible ownership and reduce the risk of mess in public areas.

3. Better Enforcement: PSPOs give authorities a clearer framework to hold negligent owners accountable.

The Government's own wildlife advisers, Natural England and The Kennel Club will always support action against irresponsible dog walkers, but the current off-lead ban proposals are deemed unjustified by both organisations.  The Kennel Club has branded the DCO’s ‘heavy-handed’.

The Dog Control Orders at Burnham Beeches is proposed to be introduced from this month.

Remember that regardless of whether your dog is on or off lead, they will need to be wearing suitable identification, or you risk a fine of up to £2,000. 

Concerns Raised by Dog Owners

1. Unfair to Responsible Owners: Blanket restrictions apply to everyone, regardless of a dog’s training or temperament.

2. Reduced Exercise and Welfare: Off-lead time is essential for many dogs’ physical and mental well-being.

3. Inconsistent Rules: Regulations vary by area, leading to confusion and difficulty for dog walkers who visit different parks.

4. Heavy Fines: In some cases, minor infractions can lead to large fines, raising questions about proportionality.

Is There a Middle Ground?

Many believe that targeted enforcement—focused on those who allow dangerous or antisocial behaviour—would be more effective than broad restrictions. Public education, more visible signage, and community dialogue may also help address safety and cleanliness without penalising responsible pet owners.

Final Thought

The aim to keep public spaces safe and clean is valid, but fairness matters too. Dog owners, local councils, and communities must work together to find balanced solutions that support both pet welfare and public enjoyment.