Londoners Outraged by Strict New Dog Walking Rules

In October 2025, the Tower Hamlets Council in London introduced a series of new regulations governing dog walking in the borough. The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) requires all dogs to be kept on leashes in public areas, including roads, pavements, and communal estate spaces. Additionally, dog walkers are now limited to a maximum of four dogs at a time.

The new rules have drawn significant backlash from local residents, who have branded them as "ridiculous" and "pathetic." Professional dog walkers, in particular, have expressed frustration, with one stating that the regulations make no sense as the "people who cause trouble with dogs aren't dog walkers." The council has, however, provided an exemption for licensed dog walkers, who can apply to walk up to six dogs at a time.

Despite the council's claim that the measures aim to "reassure residents concerned about dangerous dogs," many locals feel the rules go too far. One dog owner said he would simply ignore any requests from council officers to put his dogs on leashes, arguing that his pets "aren't a threat." Others, like a 67-year-old resident, support the new restrictions, stating that they are "probably quite mild and sensible" given past incidents in the area.

The controversy has highlighted the ongoing tensions between dog owners and non-dog owners in urban areas, with some residents arguing that the new rules unfairly target responsible pet owners. As the debate continues, the Tower Hamlets Council maintains that the PSPO strikes a balance between the needs of dog owners and the wider community.