Tower Hamlets Council has approved a series of new measures aimed at curbing dog-related antisocial behaviour across the borough, following a concerning rise in incidents during the summer of 2023.
The new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), officially agreed by the council’s cabinet on Wednesday 30 April, introduces several restrictions for dog owners and walkers, including bans in specific areas, stricter lead requirements, and fixed penalty notices for non-compliance. The decision comes in response to public concern and consultation, with more than 2,200 individuals and organisations—including the East London Dog Community and the RSPCA—providing feedback during the process held between August and November 2024.
Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and the Climate Emergency, said the council recognises that most local dog owners are responsible, but that action was needed to address safety fears.
“This consultation with the community was held following several high-profile incidents, and a majority of those who responded expressed support for new measures,” said Cllr Ahmed. “These rules bring us in line with many other London boroughs and are designed to reassure residents—especially parents—while preserving the freedoms of responsible dog owners to enjoy our open spaces.”
New restrictions to come into force this autumn
The PSPO is expected to be implemented later this year and will include:
- A ban on dogs entering gated children’s play areas and sports pitches
- A limit on the number of dogs walked at once to four, unless the individual holds a valid professional dog walking licence issued by the council
- Mandatory leads on roads, pavements, and communal housing estate areas
- An obligation to place dogs on leads if directed to do so by a council officer, particularly in situations where a dog is deemed to be out of control
- Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued for dog fouling, failure to comply with the PSPO, or other breaches
Exemptions will be maintained for those who are blind or deaf and those with physical or mental disabilities who use assistance dogs, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.
Mixed reactions from local community
Animal welfare advocates have responded positively to many of the changes, particularly the preservation of off-lead access in most parks.
Bernadette Moriarty of the East London Dog Community said: “We welcome continued off-lead access to parks for dogs, and we support the council’s focus on tighter enforcement of dog fouling and the safeguarding of children’s play areas.”
She added: “This proposal strikes a fair compromise that prioritises public safety while ensuring families with dogs can still enjoy public spaces respectfully. We’re cautiously optimistic about the ‘on lead by direction’ rule and the dog walker licence, but we will be watching how fairly these are enforced.”
More Read
A rising trend of dog attacks
According to police data shared by the council, there were 92 reported incidents involving dog attacks in Tower Hamlets between April and October 2024. This places the borough eighth out of 32 London councils for reported dog-related offences.
The new PSPO is designed not only to respond to these worrying figures but also to pre-empt future issues by aligning Tower Hamlets with its neighbouring boroughs, such as Newham and Hackney, which have enforced dog control PSPOs for several years.
Council enforcement officers will have the power to issue on-the-spot fines for breaches of the new rules, and public signage will be rolled out across parks and estates to inform residents of the changes.
Residents are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new requirements before the order comes into effect in autumn 2025, with further information to be made available on the council’s website and through community outreach initiatives.
