Dogs and their owners are an important part of the Common and enjoyed by many - owners and non owners alike. Like all users of the Common, if dog owners are respectful of other peoples’ space and feelings, problems will be avoided.

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 and the congested area near Skylark). 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. Also, anti-flea treatments are devastating to aquatic life, as explained HERE by London vet Sean McCormack on BBC Springwatch. Here is a guide from two local vets The London Vet and The Urban Vet on how to respond. 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 or, as these are phased out, ordinary waste bins (but NOT the recycling bins please). 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. 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