Dog walkers have been banned from letting their pets off leads at the cemetery where the creator of Paddington Bear is buried – despite a previous backlash against the plan.
Brent Council said it decided to introduce the rule at Paddington Old Cemetery in north London after there were 74 complaints about dogs behaving badly.
It said the ban aimed to “preserve a peaceful and respectful environment” for cemetery users, while ensuring “responsible dog owners” could continue to access the Kilburn site. Those caught breaching the ban face fines of up to £1,000.
The measures were set to go ahead last year but were postponed after almost 500 residents signed a petition against them.
Brent Council said the cemetery – where Michael Bond, who died in 2017, is buried – had become an increasingly popular spot for dog walking, which had led to concerns among grave owners, mourners and other cemetery users.
It said the complaints included dogs “defecating and urinating on graves” and “running uncontrolled” near burial services.
The council said the decision followed a “comprehensive” public consultation last autumn which heard the views of more than 800 residents and grave owners.
An existing legal order banning people from walking more than four dogs at a time has been adjusted to require all dogs to be kept on leads at all times and in all parts of the cemetery.
Dog minder Ella Dempsey, who uses the site daily, told BBC Radio London she disagreed with the ban and did not believe it was widely supported.
“Dogs need to be able to run and exercise and if we have them on leads, dogs’ temperaments change completely,” she said.
She said the community of local dog walkers respected the site, picked up litter and avoided going there during funerals.
Ms Dempsey said dogs had never previously been a concern and accused the council of a “lack of transparency” around the complaints that were made.
“There were 74 complaints, but is it is three people making these complaints or is it actually 74 people?” she said.
Harbi Farah, the council’s cabinet member for safer communities, said the number of complaints raised made it clear that “action was needed”.
She said the council had a “well-established policy” of keeping dogs on leads at its other cemeteries.
The ban aimed to strike a “fair, balanced and proportionate approach, ensuring the cemetery remains a peaceful and respectful place while still allowing responsible dog walking”, Farah added.
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