Sue0103

Hello, Today I took a walk down Dulwich Park after a very long time to enjoy the sun like many others. A huge dog came charging at me. I was truly scared and asked the lady walking the dog, shdnt he be kept on a lead. As thats what it says at the very entrance of the park. Pics attached. The lady very rudely replied that if I'm scared of dogs I should not walk in a park and only walk on roads. Now I have a few questions to dog walkers and I know not all of them are unreasonable or rude. I usually dont mind dogs who are not kept on lead as long as they dont come charging at me - 1. I pay as much and full council tax as anyone else. I also pay 40% tax on my salary to the government. Do I not have the right to walk the parks in London without the fear of being attacked/ mauled by a dog? I have nothing against dogs, but I do not like them licking me or worse, biting me. That scares the shit out of me. 2. If there are signs right at the entrance of the park that say "Dogs Must be Kept on Short Lead", is it so unreasonable to expect dog walkers to obey them? Especially when there were a few people in the park with their dogs on a lead. 3. Why is it that despite paying these huge taxes I'm considered unreasonable for following the law and some dog owners/ walkers are not even when they leave their dogs to charge at anyone and litter our walkways with dog poo?! I dont frequent parks very often as I work full time but off late I have had some time off and wanted to clear my head with a walk. I had a terrible wallk as I was terrified throughout the time of those dogs running around and hoping they dint come charging towards me. I live in East Dulwich and I really wish I can go to the park again for a peaceful time. Sue

Hi James, Thanks for this. I completely agree with you and have mailed the above councillors to register my opposition. I'm oppossed to 24X7 alcohol license culture which only ensures people continue drinking even after all the pubs are shut. With the level of street crime in London that we have at the moment, it clearly shows that people cannot be trusted to employ restraint/good judgement after a binge drinking session. I don't think they should be encouraged any further. Regards, Sue