Market Deeping Park Reaffirms Mandatory Dog Lead Rule

Dogs will now be required to be kept on leads in a Lincolnshire park, following the reconfirmation of an existing regulation. This rule was initially put into effect at The Spinney in Market Deeping in October 2020. The regulation was first implemented after complaints arose concerning dogs running loose in a wooded section adjacent to the town’s cemetery, an area designated for the scattering of human ashes. All animals must now be restrained on leads measuring 3ft (1m) at all times. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a session of South Kesteven District Council’s (SKDC) cabinet revealed that the original Public Spaces Protection Order was introduced subsequent to an incident involving a recently widowed woman who was visiting the location before her husband’s ashes were scattered. During her visit, she observed dogs moving freely among the wooded planting area, disturbing the ground where ashes had been dispersed, and defecating in the vicinity, as heard at the meeting. Ayeisha Kirkham, SKDC’s head of service for public protection, explained that the rule serves as a gesture of respect for those who have passed away and had their ashes scattered there, as well as for their loved ones, following previous reports of dogs disturbing ashes. A discussion occurred regarding the specified length of leads, with one councillor suggesting the order should simply state that leads be kept at a “safe, short length,” particularly for instances where a tall individual might be walking a small dog. However, Councillor Phillip Knowles argued that this phrasing was subjective and could potentially lead to legal challenges. He stated, “We should define it as best we can rather than in safe terms.”