Dogs and their owners are important users of the Common and can be a welcome sight for all if a few simple rules are followed. Mostly they are but sometimes they’re not. Warnings to dog owners are the second most frequent type of warning from the police issued on the Common.

The bye-laws state that dogs must be under control at all time. Legally, this means if a dog is off its leash, it must obey its owner after a maximum of three commands. 

• Familiarise yourself with the Council’s dog control map for the Common. They show where dogs are excluded (all playgrounds and the cricket field) or must be on a leash (the area north of the tennis courts). Obey the signs.

• Specific rules apply to dogs in the lake/ponds. Dogs must be on a leash when near the lake/ponds and should not enter the water (puddles are okay though). This is because dogs can disturb, injure and even kill wildfowl, including swans, and especially their offspring. They muddy the water, making it difficult for plants to flourish, and anti-flea treatments are harmful to aquatic life. The water is also not as clean as it may seem.

• It is an offence under the bye-laws not to pick up your dog’s mess. Put it in the red bins provided. Dog poo contains bacteria and parasites that are harmful to people and wildlife.

• An individual may not walk more than four dogs at one time without a license. A dog walking license restricts the number of dogs walked to a maximum of six. No new licenses are being issued. If you are walking with other people, these maximum numbers apply to the group.

• Please be aware that breaches of any byelaw may result in a FPN (fixed penalty notice) or even a summons. Full details of the law applying to dogs in Wandsworth greenspaces are available here