Tonight i was walking my dogs off lead and perfectly under control on my local park, when i got told by a patrolling policeman to get them on their leads.I did but asked what the law was regarding this as everyone i know takes their dogs on their for a run, and a policeman i know does too.
There have been a lot of teenagers hanging about recently smashing bottles, smoking drugs and drinking so i think they were looking for them.I feel really angry as i questioned him in a civil manner, and was told that if i didn't get them on leads i would be arrested.
I later met my friend with her dog off its lead and told her what had happened and she said they had been stroking hers and hadn't said anything about her putting it's lead on.Because i am not definite about the law regarding this i would be interested if anyone could enlighten me, and also let me know where it is ok for the dogs to run.:)

I never go to the Park - we always go to the Woods which has a country walk through it .Gus can still meet other dogs and peple but it is big enough for everyone to have their own space too :)

Some parks are covered by bylaws. Several around here have banned dogs. Also several National Trust areas have banned dogs including the forest walk at Newborough Warren when I was on holiday there recently!!!

When they were trying to get a ban on dogs in the park where a person I know lives I suggested she got up a petition but she just said, "Oh I'm not bothered, the farmer lets me use his field!" You just can't help some people!

John

Hi Miloos

There is normally a notice board out side park entrances detailing these sort of conditions of the park, eg no cycle riding, no droping litter etc, etc.
If not I would contact your local council and they will be able to let you know the bylaws concerning the park as they all differ according to what laws have been passed.
Lucy

thanks lucy i am going to do that today, there are litter bins and dog bins on it but no signs at all.I am more mad about the unfriendly attitude from the policeman than anything.I will update you when i've spoken to the council:)

just to update you all!!i've just rung the council and there are no by laws regarding this park, (as i thought)so yet another case of the police being heavy handed with law abiding citizens like myself, whilst less than 100 yards away was a gang of teenagers breaking benches, drinking underage and smoking drugs:(

Oh dear sounds very much like he was on an off day and wanted to have a go.

It is so annoying the the police do seem to be complacent on dealling with the yobs that cause the problems.

We have the same problem in our village and I nearly got run off the road a few months ago by one of the little b*****ds. I rang the police and gave them all the details and have they done anything about it, err .....NO.

They sit outside the village hall everynight dealing drugs and it is commonly known but again will the police do anything about it ? No. It is so frustrating.

Lucy

I know it's a nightmare lucy, they don't do anything about it cos there's something relevant to do!!anyway we're all going out walkies tonight, just hope i don't get arrested as it's milo's birthday and he'd be crying seeing me go off in a police van:)