Dogs could be banned from Petersham Meadows for seven months of the year, after the council submitted a dog exclusion order.

At present, pets are allowed on Petersham Meadows but must now be on a lead, after a dog attacked a cow in May last year.

The long standing issue surrounding the meadows could be resolved as the order would ban dogs from April to October when the cows are grazing on the land.

There are two public footpaths across Petersham Meadows and, if the Dog Exclusion Order goes ahead, dog owners will be stopped walking their pets unless they are registered as blind or disabled.

Although the National Trust manages the land through a lease arrangement, the council has the power to implement exclusion.

The National Trust erected an electric fence to shield the cows, which proved unpopular with the public.

Ham Petersham and Richmond Riverside ward councillor Sir David Williams welcomed the dog ban and hoped it would encourage the National Trust to remove the unpopular electric fence.

He said: “This has been a topic going on for a long time. I think it is a very good idea. It ought to persuade the National Trust that it doesn’t need the electric fence.”

He said there were other National Trust-managed areas in the country where cows and humans have access to the same land, such as Dorney Common in Eton.

He said: “At a meeting on May 29 this year the National Trust said it would review this. Hopefully they will see sense when the Dog Control Order is properly in effect this year.”

Sophie Tantum, 33, owner of Richmond dog walking company City Tails did not like the idea of completely banning dogs from the meadows.

She said: “That cuts off a whole route I can use down from Richmond Hill and towards Petersham Nurseries and into the park. It is a shame because that’s a good place for difficult dogs because it’s less likely they’ll meet other dogs.”

Councillor Virginia Morris, cabinet member for environment, said: “Most owners are conscientious; however, a small minority are not and this spoils the enjoyment of our open spaces and parks for others.

“We feel that the banning of dogs totally from the meadow, during the cattle grazing season is the best option to encourage safety.”

The National Trust is currently in negotiations with the council regarding the fence and will release joint plans in due course.

There will now be a 28 day official public consultation period, after which, the council will decide whether or not to proceed.

Residents can have their say by writing to Peter Southcombe, Richmond Council, 44 York Street, Twickenham TW1 3BZ or email property@richmond.gov.uk.