A High Court Judge today ruled that council plans to limit the number of dogs walked by one person at any one time are lawful, after a legal challenge.

Last year Richmond Council approved a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to address ‘anti-social’ activities in public spaces, such as flying drones, starting fires and barbeques, and setting off fireworks.

It also limited on the number of dogs that can be walked by one person at a time to four.

The council would offer up to 18 licences for residents and borough-based businesses who wished to walk up to six dogs.

Following public consultation, the PSPO was approved by the Regulatory Committee on July 11, 2017 and adopted by the full council on September 12, 2017.

Caroline Summers, local resident, took legal action against the Council, claiming the dog walking related provisions within the PSPO were unlawful.

Following a review, a High Court Judge found in favour of the Council.

Mrs Justice May DBE dismissed Ms Summers’ challenges on the limit to the number of dogs and the provision for licences, the proper control of dogs, and on exemptions related to disability grounds.

Whilst the legal action was ongoing, the council suspended and decided not to enforce the PSPO. but are now planning to use the Park Guard to enforce the order.

The council will now work with enforcement officers and the Park Guard to enforce the Order.