Pet owners face on the spot fines
Dog owners can now be fined on the spot if their pets are not on leads in more than 30 parks across the borough.
The new orders, passed at a Brent Council meeting on Monday night, mean residents may have to travel to find a park to exercise their dogs to avoid being hit with a �75 fine.
The fine can be levied in all pocket parks and areas where there are flowerbeds and walled gardens.
There will also be dog-exclusion zones banning canines from entering playgrounds, multiuse games areas, tennis courts, netball courts and bowling greens at any time. The rules already apply to Queen’s Park which is owned and run by the Corporation of London.
Lucy Cork, 26, of Queen’s Park, owns Mr Scruff, a Shih Tzu-Yorkshire terrier cross.
She said: “I am in favour of dogs on leads in parks because so many dog owners don’t have control over their dogs.”
The new orders also mean it will be an offence for one person to be in charge of more than six dogs in parks at a time.
Laura Tew owns Kensal Green dog-walking business Fun On All Paws.
The 30-year-old owner of a 14-month-old miniature pinscher called LJ, said: “I agree that people should not have more than six dogs at one time.
“Fining people for taking dogs off leads in certain parts of parks is a bit insane. It’s not that straightforward.”
The orders will come into effect early in the new year. They do not apply to deaf and blind people or those with disabilities who require a guide dog.
Cllr James Powney, lead member for environment and neighbourhoods, said: “The dog control orders balance the interests of dog owners with other park users.”
The affected parks and open spaces are:
Barham Park Walled Garden
Brondesbury Villas Whole
Cambridge Square Whole
Chalk Hill Linear Park Whole
Chalkhill Water Garden Whole
Chapter Road Whole
Crouch Road Whole
De Havilland Park Whole
Dudden Hill Whole
Furness Road Whole
Gladstone Park Walled garden
Goldsmith Lane Whole
Grange Museum Wildlife Park Whole
Kimberley Road Whole
King Edward VII Sports Ground Entrance and cricket wicket
King Edward VII Wembley Flower gardens
Kingsbury Green Whole
Mapesbury Dell Whole
Milton Avenue Whole
Northwick Park Cricket wicket
Preston Park Cricket wicket
Queens Park Whole
Roe Green Walled garden
Roundwood Park Entrance and Flower Gardens
Roundwood Road Whole
Springfield Park Whole
St. Mary’s Road Whole
The Compass Whole
The Shrine Whole
Vale Farm Cricket wicket
Village Way Whole
Villiers Road Whole
The orders will also apply to any future or proposed parks and open spaces where deemed appropriate
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here