Petition against Richmond and Bushy Parks dog lead rule

Dog owners have banded together to dispute new restrictions issued by The Royal Parks, which prevents dogs from roaming free to protect deer and their young.

The new rules at Richmond, Bushy and Home Parks, state that dogs must be kept on their leads at all times for 13 weeks between May 4 until August 2.

It has also been "strongly advised" that dog owners avoid walking their pets in the parks at all.

The ban is an extension from last year, which ordered a 7-week period for dogs to be on leads in the parks.

But the move comes after a spike in dog attacks on deer, as more people have enjoyed open spaces and have purchased dogs during the pandemic.

Four deer have died from dog attacks in royal parks since March 2020, when the first lockdown began, while there have been 58 incidents of dogs chasing the herds.

Dogs must stay on leads in Royal Parks for three months.

The Royal Parks explained that the risk for both dogs and deer are higher now.

A spokesperson said: “Deer are instinctively afraid of dogs and equate them with predators, which means that they may act defensively towards dogs if they think their young are in danger.”

However, thousands of dog lovers have come together to sign an online petition seeking to overturn the ban.

The campaign – which has gained over 3,000 signatories in a matter of days – was launched by photographer Tamra Cave who said she accepted this was an emotive issue.

She continued: “The reported incidents of people causing disruption in the park is far greater than that of dogs. This new regulation is using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.”

“Keeping a dog permanently on a lead in a park is like expecting a runner to walk around the park. We all need to work together as animal and park lovers to enjoy the park and keep everyone safe - deer, dogs, children, cyclists and runners.”

Famous model David Gandy, who regularly walks his dog in Richmond Park, has endorsed the petition.

In a series of tweets, the dog-owner and ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said:

“Yes, it is important to protect wildlife but has gone from a 7-week ban last year to 3 months in 2021.

“There are better solutions and punishes responsible dog owners.”

Richmond park have banned dogs off the lead in entire 3500 acres of Richmond and Bushy park. Yes it is Important to protect wildlife, but has gone from a 6wk ban last year to 3 months in 2021.There are better solutions and punishes responsible dog ownershttps://t.co/JoOAZm3kUL

— David Gandy (@DGandyOfficial) May 11, 2021

The Royal Parks said they are aware of the petition calling to allow dogs off leads, but argued that they have a duty to protect deer as much as possible.

A spokesperson said: “We welcome dog walkers and everyone who wants to use the parks, but request that they do so in a responsible manner.

“During deer birthing season, this means that we require dog walkers to have their dog on a lead, stick to the perimeter of the park, be vigilant, and avoid areas of dense vegetation where newborn deer could be concealed.

“Deer can and do give birth anywhere, including in high density areas such as footpaths. They do not exclusively stick to birthing areas, which is why it is necessary for dogs to be on leads in all areas of the park, for the safety of both deer and dogs.

“We know it can be frustrating and we’re sorry for any inconvenience caused. We would like to thank all our visitors for their support with these measures.”