In response to local concern, Waltham Forest council’s Greenspace team has launched a Borough Action for Responsible K9s (BARK) project to encourage responsible dog ownership.
Brent council undertook the first BARK campaign in 2006 and the idea has now been taken up by Waltham Forest in association with the RSPCA, local Police Safer Neighbourhood teams and Battersea dogs and cats home. Its creation follows evidence from surveys that reveal nuisance dogs to be a key concern for residents in the area. The project plans to address the anti-social behaviour and irresponsibility of owners through a combination of education and enforcement of dog ownership laws. BARK hopes these methods will challenge the culture of aggressive dogs being used as status symbols.
Under the scheme, dog enforcement officers will be on patrol in local parks and park wardens are to be given police training on dealing with dangerous dogs. The council also intends to make information on responsible dog ownership more readily available: representatives will visit animal ‘hotspots’ and community-based events to offer people advice on practices like microchipping and posters and leaflets are to be accessible throughout the borough. In addition, local veterinary practices are being encouraged to participate in a voucher scheme that offers reduced costs for neutering.
BARK is currently seeking ideas from the community on activities that could raise awareness, share good practice examples and promote responsible dog ownership.
