23/04/2025
Ok guys, buckle in -
⚠️THE VERY NOT GOOD THING MOUNTSORREL PARISH COUNCIL ARE TRYING TO DO TO OUR SPACES
Mountsorrel Parish Council have proposed a Public Space Protection Order for the Memorial Park, Halstead Park (including the field at the back) and Cufflin's Pit Lane which would require all dog owners to keep their dogs on lead in those spaces at all times. As far as I am aware there has been no reason given publicly for this change in space usage. This PSPO would have a negative impact on YOU and YOUR dog, your walks and their welfare. Below is the argument I gave to the Mountsorrel Parish Council at the meeting on 14th April which I, along with fellow concerned citizens attended.
👎WHY THIS IS A BAD IDEA FOR EVERYONE
'Turning Mountsorrel parks into 'dogs on lead only' spaces will harm the welfare of the dogs, the owners and the community.
Within the Animal Welfare Act of 2006, the need for an animal (in this case dogs) to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns is enshrined. Dogs cannot fully carry out normal behaviour patterns when restricted on lead, especially around other dogs. So forcing owners to keep their dogs on lead in the parks of Mountsorrel is forcing owners to be in contravention of that act.
Many of the dogs I work with have on-lead frustration behaviour issues. These issues commonly arise from the dog not having the space and time to socialise with other dogs properly (carry our normal behaviour patterns) or from not learning how to do this when they're puppies. Studies show that people who own dogs who are reactive on lead report increase feelings of loneliness and reduced quality of life overall. The solution for dogs and owners in this situation is, through appropriate training, learning how to be around other dogs on and off the lead. The difference I see in owners and their dogs when they can do this is amazing - people enjoy going out for walks and enjoy their local spaces again. They can make friends with other dog walkers and build a community.
Communities like the ones that currently exist on Halstead Park and Memorial Park. I also work with dog owners who have restricted mobility and/or health issues. Their dogs need exercise so they can be calm on lead and in the house and not put their owner at risk. Spaces and communities like Halstead Park and Memorial Park are a lifeline for these people. They are not able to easily get to fields and parks outside of the village to give their dog suitable exercise and so they rely on the safe spaces that these parks offer, so they are fulfilling their dogs welfare needs.
My professional opinion, drawn from understanding the science of dogs and what they need and from 7 years working with dogs and owners is that making the parks of Mountsorrel 'on lead' only will have a negative impact on the welfare of the dogs, their owners and the community. It could contribute to a rise in dogs barking and lunging at other dogs on lead in the village which is detrimental to everyone.
If this act is reduce the amount of dog fouling in the village - I've done some research into what other towns and counties have put in place to reduce dog mess in their local area. A report from Wales found that overall public education, communication and awareness had the best results. Dog mess can be found throughout the village, including areas where dogs are walked on lead, so this doesn't seem to be a good solution for reducing dog fouling. '
📝✋MOUNTSORREL PARISH COUNCIL PUBLIC CONSULTATION AND THE PROBLEM WITH IT
The Parish Council has made a poor attempt at public consultation, so far just this survey - https://www.mountsorrelparishcouncil.gov.uk/dog-survey/
⚠️👉PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK AND MAKE YOUR THOUGHTS KNOWN (BY 26TH OF MAY!) HOWEVER - it is important to know that we feel the survey is biased and written in a way that, if you didn't know the context behind the survey, leads dog owners to give opinions which can justify the PSPO. Please be aware of this when answering the questions given!
To clarify there has been no rise in attacks from dogs to other dogs or children in these spaces. Dog fouling needs to be addressed by providing more bins in better places, not restricting dogs.
🤓 🙋🙌🙋♀️MORE INFO AND WHAT TO DO IF YOU WISH TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION -
Key points from the meeting on the 14th April (transcript of the meeting is attached)
1. 23 passionate dog owners attended! 🔥🙌
2. The consultation is clearly biased as it’s aimed at the public choosing to have dog protection orders or not - we have the paper copy to evidence this!
3. The closing date is 16th May, only 32 days from now! Predominantly online!
4. The sites for PSPOs are the sole focus of the consultation, potentially reducing open spaces for dog walkers permanently!
5. Once the PSPO is enforced it takes 3 years to reverse!
6. Dog owners and dogs health and wellbeing is not taken into account!
7. All of this for a £5-8m football and cricket pitch? Does this make sense to you? And where is the money coming from? Precept? Your pockets?
We would encourage you to join our Facebook group which is: Spotted: Mountsorrel. Please find us and join us:-)
Charnwood Borough Council is due to review its Public Spaces Protection Orders and Dog Control Orders in September 2025. Most Parish Councils rely on the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) that are in place with Charnwood Borough Council to manage and enforce the control of dogs in their areas.
