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Dog Control Orders explained

 
There are five Dog Control Orders in force in different locations in the borough of Greenwich.

  1. Removal of dog faeces

    Once your dog has fouled, the person exercising the dog must clean it up immediately.

    Do it the right way:

    • pick up and wrap the waste
    • dispose of the waste in Council dog waste bins and litter bins in the borough, or in your own domestic rubbish bin
    • DO NOT put the waste in recycling bins.
    Tip: We recommend that you use dog waste bags to pick up and wrap your dog's faeces before disposal. These are available from pet shops, vets, hardware stores, supermarkets and other locations throughout the borough.

    How to report an overflowing bin

  2. Limit on number of dogs

    One person can walk a maximum of four dogs at any time.

    NOTE: Being a professional dog walker does NOT exempt you from this Order.

  3. Dogs to be kept on leads

    You must keep your dog on a lead unless you are in an area that allows dogs to be off the lead.

    Generally, you can continue to exercise your dog off the lead in our parks and open spaces. Dogs must be kept on leads in:

    • the Flowers Estate in Abbey Wood
    • the Glyndon Estate in Plumstead
    • all public highways, including adjoining footpaths and verges in the borough of Greenwich
    • all pedestrian paths
    • all public car parks maintained by Greenwich Council.

  4. Dogs to be put and kept on leads when directed to do so

    You must put – and keep – your dog on a lead when a police officer, Police Community Support Officer or authorised Council officer directs you to do so.

    There are occasions when a dog off its lead may intimidate or frighten some members of the public, or place itself at risk.

    In such instances or other circumstances deemed necessary, authorised officers may ask you to put your dog on a lead. This is intended to protect the dog, you or other members of the public.

  5. Dog exclusion

    Do not take your dogs into areas where they are specifically prohibited.

    You can find list of prohibited areas in the document Dog Control Orders in full.

Related links

Further information

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has more information about dog Orders as well as a guidance booklet:

The full legislation of the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act is available on the Office of Public Sector Information website.

More information on dog fouling is avilable in the Environmental Campaigns (Encams) leaflet, Dog Fouling and The Law.

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