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