A Growing Trend: Freedom or Folly?
London’s streets are getting busier, and we’re seeing more dogs trotting alongside owners off-lead on main roads. At Thony’s Pet Services, we are hugely concerned about this growing trend.
Where did this start? Many believe this trend accelerated during the COVID-19 lockdowns. With roads quieter than ever, dogs enjoyed unprecedented freedom. Now, despite traffic returning to normal, some owners seem unwilling to return to the lead, mistaking temporary circumstances for permanent safety.
The Dangers Are Real (We’ve Seen Them!) đź’”
This is more than just a theoretical risk. Our team has personally had two episodes where dogs crossed the street right in front of our vehicle, narrowly avoiding a catastrophic accident. These split-second incidents show how quickly even the ‘best’ dog can bolt.
Here are the critical dangers:
- Immediate Traffic Hazard: The biggest risk. A sudden noise, a dropped chip, a bird—any distraction can send your dog into traffic. Consequences are often severe.
- Reactive Conflicts: An off-lead dog rushing up to a nervous dog on a lead can cause fights and serious injury to both pets and owners.
- The Phone Factor: Worryingly, we often see owners distracted by their phones, not watching their off-lead dog. This means they miss their dog darting away or, crucially, failing to see their dog toilet and pick it up. This lack of responsibility impacts the whole community.
- Ingestion Risks: Off-lead dogs have more opportunity to sniff out and ingest dangerous litter, food scraps (some toxic), or even broken glass before you can intervene.
- Legal Consequences: Under the Dangerous Dogs Act, if your dog is ‘out of control’ and causes harm to a person or another animal, you are legally responsible—leading to fines or worse.
Responsible Paws in the City
The lead is a safety tool, not a punishment. We always prioritise safety on our walks and highly recommend keeping dogs on a lead in all unpredictable urban areas.
For safe, off-lead fun, seek out London’s numerous secure dog parks and enclosed spaces.
Our Paws-itive Plea: Please, keep your dog safe, responsible, and on a lead when navigating North West London streets and beyond.
Need reliable, professional dog walking or secure boarding and daycare in NW10 and surrounding areas? Don’t leave safety to chance! Contact Thony’s Pet Services today!e regarding your pet.