Dog walkers are being warned that walking over three dogs without a valid permit is a criminal offence, following a prosecution as part of the council’s campaign in support of public safety.
The warning follows the prosecution of a resident who was observed on 6 March 2025 walking five dogs along Hillside Lane, Hayes, in breach of a Public Spaces Protection Order, restricting the number of dogs to three and requiring a permit to walk up to four. The Order is designed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents, visitors, and animals in parks and open spaces, and to help residents to be responsible dog owners.
After the resident failed to pay a fixed penalty notice that was issued at the time of the offence, legal proceedings followed. Charlotte Penfold of Abbotsbury Road, Hayes was prosecuted on 16 October at Bexley Magistrates’ Court and was found guilty of breaching the PSPO under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Penfold was ordered to pay a fine of £51, a surcharge of £20, and costs of £200 - a total of £271.
A council spokesperson said: “Prosecution is always a last resort. This is why we issue fixed penalty notices and reminders, so that recipients have every opportunity to avoid this outcome. If you walk multiple dogs in the borough, please make sure that you have a valid licence. We hope that by sharing this case, others can avoid a similar situation in the future. The council’s aim is not to prosecute residents, but to work with them. We kindly urge residents to respond promptly to legal correspondence to avoid repercussions.”
Council officers had issued a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice to Penfold on the day of the offence. Despite reminders sent on 20 March and a legal proceedings letter on 3 April, the penalty remained unpaid. A certificate of non-payment was received on 15 July, leading to prosecution.
Register for a dog walking licence
Details of recent prosecutions and enforcement actions can be found at www.bromley.gov.uk/Prosecutions.
Ends
Editor’s notes:
The prosecution was brought under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 for breaching the Public Spaces Protection Order.
The Dog Control Order under the PSPO limits the number of dogs one person can walk to three dogs, or four dogs with a permit. Walking more than four dogs would not be allowed by a dog walking permit.
Charlotte Penfold was approached by council officers on 6 March 2025. Penfold had applied for a dog walking licence the day after the incident, on 7 March 2025.
For media enquiries, please contact David Aderogba, Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8466 3060 or email david.aderogba@bromley.gov.uk.