How the East London Dog Community United to Push Back Against the Tower Hamlets Dog PSPO

June 2025
By Bernadette Moriarty 

In 2024, the East London Dog Community formed to challenge a proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) by Tower Hamlets Council. A consultation was launched by the council that included the potential to  introduce sweeping restrictions on dogs in public parks and open spaces across the borough. These proposals included requiring all dogs to be kept on leads in designated areas, banning dogs from certain zones entirely, and granting broad enforcement powers to council officers. While the council framed the PSPO as a necessary measure to ensure public safety and hygiene, the dog-owning community—and many other local residents—were greatly concerned for the potential of severe restrictions that would be punitive, poorly considered, and ultimately harmful to both people and animals.

This document explores the multifaceted grassroots campaign that emerged in opposition to the Tower Hamlets Dog PSPO and how a coalition of dog lovers, local residents, businesses, and advocacy groups worked tirelessly to push back against it.

1. Early Mobilisation and Awareness Building

As news of the proposed PSPO spread, concern quickly rippled through the borough. Dog owners began to fear the worst and that they would be severely restricted —not only on their ability to exercise their pets freely, but also on their mental health, social connections, and personal safety. Tower Hamlets is one of the most densely populated and green-space-starved boroughs in London. For many residents, particularly those living in flats without gardens, access to parks is essential.

The first phase of action focused on raising awareness. The East London Dog Community set up a website and social media accounts. WhatsApp groups were formed among dog walkers, while local Facebook pages circulated information and encouraged people to complete the council’s consultation. Dog walkers began meeting in different parks beyond their usual routines to discuss the issue and engage other park users—many of whom were unaware of the consultation or its potential consequences.

New point: Building an inclusive community

An early internal issue in the campaign was a minority of people making divisive comments (blaming people from certain demographic groups for allegedly pushing an “anti-dog” agenda; and spreading misinformation). These comments caused division, hurt, and were not constructive. We quickly established a separate group with code of conduct and consciously inclusive approach. This helped reframe the narrative to focus on a solution that took into consideration the concerns of the whole community.

2. Flyers, Posters, Outreach

A dedicated group of volunteers produced flyers and posters outlining the implications of the PSPO and encouraging residents to participate in the consultation. These were distributed at dog-friendly cafés, veterinary clinics, grooming salons, and other community hotspots. Volunteers also stood at park entrances to hand them out directly to dog walkers.

3. Reframing the Narrative: Safety, Mental Health, and Social Value

A defining strength of the campaign was its ability to reframe the conversation. Rather than allowing the narrative to focus solely on dog fouling or anti-social behaviour, campaigners highlighted the many social benefits of responsible dog ownership.

Local women spoke of how the presence of dog walkers made them feel safer in parks, particularly during early mornings or late evenings. Elderly residents described how casual conversations with dog owners provided vital social contact in their otherwise isolated routines. Dog walkers shared how regular walks, community interaction, and the bond with their pets supported their mental health.

The campaign also worked to counter misconceptions about dogs as public nuisances. While acknowledging the existence of irresponsible owners, they argued that blanket restrictions were a blunt instrument that punished the many for the actions of a few. Instead, they advocated for better enforcement of existing rules, clearer signage, and public education as more effective and proportionate responses.

4. The Role of National Advocacy and Expert Opinion

The East London campaign did not operate in isolation. Major national organisations—including Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, The Kennel Club, and Dogs Trust—met with Tower Hamlets Council and provided input into the consultation. These organisations supplied expert evidence on the importance of off-lead exercise for canine behaviour, welfare, and training.

Their involvement lent credibility to local concerns and helped attract national attention. MPs and local councillors were approached and encouraged to scrutinise the proportionality and necessity of the proposed order.

5. Economic Arguments and Business Involvement

Local businesses played a significant role in the campaign. Dog-friendly cafés, pet shops, and co-working spaces that allow dogs voiced concerns about the potential economic impact of the restrictions. Many of these businesses rely on footfall from dog walkers, especially as working-from-home arrangements have made midday dog walks a routine part of life.

Flyers and posters were displayed in shop windows, and business owners encouraged their customers to engage with the consultation. This broadened the scope of the campaign, framing it not as a niche concern but as one that intersected with wider economic and community interests.

6. Engagement with Councillors, Politicians, Tower Hamlets Officials, and the Media

Campaign organisers prioritised engagement with elected officials. A petition was set up, and residents voiced their concerns with their ward councillors. Some councillors began publicly questioning whether the PSPO genuinely reflected the views of their constituents.

A key principle of the campaign was the importance of speaking to councillors from all political parties and keeping the campaign apolitical. Campaigners recognised that community unity and shared values around public space and responsible dog ownership cut across party lines. By remaining non-partisan, the campaign avoided alienating potential allies and ensured the focus stayed on public wellbeing and fair policy—not party politics.

Tower Hamlets officials were invited to a meeting in Wapping, where responsible dog owners from across the borough gathered to express their views on more sensible ways to implement a PSPO. Campaigners were pleased when the final consultation response acknowledged this meeting as influential.

The petition process itself also became a learning moment for many. Campaigners discovered that each council can have different petition rules, and it is crucial to check your local council’s website for details. In the case of Tower Hamlets, the council required all petition signatures to be collected through its official website and imposed a hard minimum of 2,000 verified signatures before a petition could be formally presented and debated in council. These rules added significant logistical complexity—but the campaign rose to the challenge, mobilising thousands of residents to sign in time.

The campaign gained traction in the local press, with articles featuring interviews with dog owners, experts, and campaign leaders. National media also began to explore the trend of overly broad PSPOs across the UK, often citing Tower Hamlets as a case study.

7. Broadening the Coalition: Beyond Dog Owners

A remarkable strength of the East London campaign was its ability to expand beyond the dog-owning community. The underlying issues—access to public space, fairness, safety, and inclusion—resonated with a much wider audience.

Women’s groups emphasised how responsible dog walkers acted as a passive safety net in public parks. Runners and joggers valued the presence of others in early hours. People with disabilities who rely on support dogs highlighted how, despite exemptions, their dogs would be socially isolated if other dogs were forced to be on-lead or excluded.

This broader coalition made it harder for the council to dismiss the campaign as a niche or self-interested protest.

8. Networking, Strategy Sharing, and Movement Building

One of the first ports of call for the East London Dog Community was The Kennel Club, recognised by the government as a key organisation for PSPO consultations. The Kennel Club provided significant support—holding online discussions, hosting an in-person meeting, and coordinating directly with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and Dogs Trust to engage the council. Their involvement elevated the campaign’s credibility and opened important channels of communication.

Campaigners also connected with the Abney Park Dog Group in Hackney, who had recently defeated similar proposals. They shared their strategy, including the importance of engaging with councillors who would vote on the PSPO and tips on securing balanced media coverage.

The community also benefited from advice from a seasoned campaigner affiliated with Extinction Rebellion, who provided guidance on movement-building and strategic actions. For example, a planned dog march was tactically restructured into a high-visibility protest outside the Town Hall on the day the petition was submitted—maximising media attention and accessibility.

The campaign also developed a productive relationship with the Animal Welfare Party, who helped organise a peaceful protest outside Tower Hamlets Town Hall and recommended reputable journalists. As a result, the campaign received supportive coverage in both print and digital media and was featured on local radio and TV, further increasing national interest.

Finally, the campaign built links with APDAWG—the All-Party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group—which offered a platform for campaigners to raise awareness in Westminster. This led to an invitation to speak in a parliamentary committee room. Campaigners also connected with other national welfare groups, such as the “Don’t Ban Me – Licence Me” group, who shared legal contacts and crowdfunding strategies in case the campaign needed to escalate to the High Court.

9. Lessons Learned and the Power of Grassroots Organising

The East London Dog Community’s response to the Tower Hamlets PSPO illustrates the power of grassroots organising when it is inclusive, strategic, and grounded in local realities. By blending emotional storytelling, expert testimony, community outreach, media engagement, and legal preparedness, the campaign built a resilient and multi-layered resistance.

It also revealed a deep sense of solidarity and mutual aid among residents—many of whom had never previously met. What began as a response to a regulatory proposal ultimately reinforced the social fabric of East London, uniting people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.

10. Conclusion: We Won!

Good news: Tower Hamlets Council has now finalised the Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)—and thanks to the community’s collective efforts, dogs can continue to enjoy off-lead freedom in the borough’s parks. No new dog exclusion zones have been introduced.

The final version of the PSPO reflects many of the concerns raised. Stricter enforcement against dog fouling and the protection of gated children’s play areas have been retained. Crucially, families with dogs can still access ungated play areas—a key issue for many single parents.

Campaigners are cautiously optimistic about the "on-lead by direction" rule and the introduction of a professional dog walker licence. These changes will be closely monitored to ensure they are implemented in a fair, proportionate, and education-led manner.

Overall, this is a victory for responsible dog owners and a powerful testament to what can be achieved through unity and determination. Daily routines and community wellbeing have been preserved.

Lastly, a heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who stood up for dogs, parks, and the shared right to enjoy public space with care, respect, and joy.
They did this—together.