Dogs in parks
We welcome responsible dog owners and their pets into our parks and open spaces.
However, in some areas we ask you to keep your dog on a lead. We also ask you not to take dogs into the fenced children's play areas or onto bowling greens, cricket wickets and other sports pitches.
Please follow these guidelines when visiting Ealing’s parks and open spaces with your dog:
- clear up immediately after your dog if it fouls
- make sure your dog wears a collar with your name and address on it - this is a legal requirement under the Control of Dogs Order (see below)
- keep your dog under proper control – remember, not everyone likes your dog as much as you do!
The ranger service will enforce relevant legislation to cover irresponsible dog ownership, dog fouling, dangerous dogs and stray dogs.
Responsible dog ownership
We hope that people will show responsible dog ownership while within the parks and open spaces of Ealing.
The Control of Dogs Order 1992 states that the owner of a dog or the person in charge of a dog that is not wearing a collar in a public place shall be guilty of an offence against the Animal Health Act 1981. Dogs must wear a tag embossed with the name, address and telephone number of its owner.
The Dogs Trust provides more information on responsible dog ownership.
Dog fouling
Dog owners are legally obliged under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 to clean up after their dog fouls. If they fail to do so they can be issued a fixed penalty notice of £80. All bins except those in playgrounds can be used to dispose of dog mess.
Apart from being very unpleasant, dog mess can be a health hazard. The eggs of the parasite Toxocara canis (pdf), often found in dog mess, can remain in the ground long after the mess has decayed. They may then be picked up, perhaps by children during play, and be transferred from hand to mouth. At worst this can result in blindness.
Dangerous dogs
Dangerous dogs are the responsibility of the police but please report any incidents to the ranger team as well as the police.