Dog owners will have to apply for a permit to walk more that four dogs, when a Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) comes into force later this year.

The PSPO, which will be enforced from October 2018, to control dog behaviours such as dog fouling and restrict the number of dogs that can be walked by one person at any one time.

Dog walkers will only be able to walk a maximum of four at any one time. Residents who own more than 4 dogs will need to apply for a permit which allows them to walk up to 6 dogs at any one time.

The Council has also agreed to issue a total of 18 licences for professional dog walkers so that they can walk up to 6 dogs on one of 6 sites across the borough.

Each site has three licences and include: Ham Lands, Palewell Park, East Sheen Common, Crane Park, Barnes Common and Hampton Common

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Richmond Council Cabinet Member for Environment, said: “The control order is intended to ensure that everyone exercises proper control over their dogs in the borough’s parks and open spaces.”

The Council has now opened applications for these licences and resident permits. Full details of how to apply can be found on the council website. The closing date for applications is 16th September 2018.

Last year Richmond Council approved a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to address anti-social activities in public spaces, including flying of drones, using BBQs, starting fires and causing damage to council property.