Camden Council is proposing to force dogs to walk on the lead in Waterlow Park as from April 1. I walk there twice a day and have never seen any problems caused by dogs. I have spoken to a few wardens who confirm they don t understand why Camden is propos

Camden Council is proposing to force dogs to walk on the lead in Waterlow Park as from April 1.

I walk there twice a day and have never seen any problems caused by dogs. I have spoken to a few wardens who confirm they don't understand why Camden is proposing this.

If there were any issues, e.g. a violent dog or owners not removing their dog's mess, then there are laws in place to deal with that.

If the implication is that they are not able to police dogs' activities how are they going to police any further restrictions?

Camden has not quantified the problem. If a ban is required following a few isolated incidents then they should ban children and youths as well.

And, given that there have been a few muggings in the park, let's ban people altogether!

We asked Camden what groups they had canvassed and the list seemed arbitrary and totally unconnected with those using the park. Park users and dog owners did not appear on the list. Waterlow users are responsible and self-policing. I suggest the councillors ought to have investigated this first and have the decency to put up notices canvassing the users of the park.

The park is largely empty except at lunch times and weekends (in good weather) and very hot summer days. Most dog owners avoid these times. Certainly in the winter and in poor weather you will be hard pushed to see anyone else there other than dog owners.

We should be considering the welfare of all including the dogs. Elderly dog owners may have problems giving their dogs enough exercise on the lead and would not be able to get to another park easily.

Many of these owners live in flats and don't have cars. I will drive to Kenwood, walk the dog and spend my money there instead of at Lauderdale House.

The dogs are normally only interested in playing with other dogs and many non dog owners say how entertaining it is to see the dogs catching balls and sticks and tumbling around with other dogs. It is cruel to confine a dog to a lead when it is well behaved and doing no harm.

I reiterate, there are perfectly good laws in place to deal with any dogs that are not well trained.

I would like to put forward the possibility that this is another way of expanding Camden's coffers with the inevitable fines that will result.

Bernie Muir

North Road, N6

IS the public aware that The Corporation of London has agreed for Hampstead Heath to be included in Camden's ill-considered Proposed Dog Control Order Consultation? If implemented this would create more dog exclusion areas on the Heath, keeping dogs on leads at all times, and banning dogs from swimming in the ponds.

Hampstead Heath was created for the use of the public and their livestock. Does The Corporation of London intend to implement uncalled for dog control sanctions without holding its own public consultation? Healthy, happy, well socialised dogs need daily exercise off the lead. Camden seems intent on making this impossible throughout the borough.

Camden's Dog Control Order Consultation closes on March 15. Please email street.enviroment@camden.gov.uk and voice your objections before it's too late.

Barbra Flinder

Marquis Road, NW1