A Few Words About Dogs in Public Spaces

Poundbury is a wonderfully walkable community, and dogs are very much part of life here: you'll rarely cross the Great Field without meeting a few. But a recent incident at the Great Field Parkrun is a timely reminder that in shared public spaces, keeping our dogs under control isn't just good manners — it's a matter of public safety.

As reported in the Dorset Echo, on Saturday, 31 October, a Parkrun participant suffered a nasty fall after becoming tangled in another runner's dog lead. He was left with cuts to his face, mouth and tongue, an injured knee and damaged glasses. The Parkrun team responded quickly — but it was a painful and entirely avoidable accident.

Parkrun rules are clear — but not everyone may know them

Where dogs are permitted at Parkrun events, participants must use a short, hand-held, non-extendable lead; dogs must be kept at the participant’s side and under control throughout. If you’re planning to bring your dog along — or if you know someone who does — it’s worth visiting the Dorchester Parkrun website before you go. If your dog isn’t comfortable in a crowd or among other runners, it may be kinder — to them and to others — to give the event a miss on that occasion.

The same spirit applies more broadly. Whether you're on the Great Field, in the squares or along Poundbury's streets, a lead that gives your dog the freedom to roam is a lead that can trip a cyclist, frighten a child or send a frail neighbour sprawling. Please be considerate of others.

Two squares designated dogs on leads

Please also note that Coade Square has now joined Hayward Square as a dogs-on-leads area. Both are shared community spaces that residents, families, and visitors use and enjoy — thank you for keeping your dog on the lead when passing through.

Dog fouling

We're pleased that the Love Poundbury doggy bag dispenser initiative is making a difference at key hotspots across Poundbury, and we're very grateful for the support from our volunteers and community. The dispensers are there as a last resort for genuine emergencies — not for topping up supplies at home. Please do bring your own bags when you head out, and use the dispensers only if you're caught short.

And please do be mindful of where your dog fouls: front gardens, planted medians and front steps are spaces residents take pride in and maintain with care. Wild-planted verges and open fields are a much more suitable alternative.

Several dog waste bins are located on the Great Field. Dog waste can also go in the general litter bins at the Buttermarket, Woodlands Crescent green, Pavilion Green, Pummery Square, at the east and west ends of Peverell Ave, and where Middle Farm Way meets Corston Street.

Caring for the place we share

This all connects to something we feel strongly about: Principle Six of the Poundbury Seven — Steward the Place You Live. Civic pride is a practice. Looking out for one another, keeping our spaces lovely, and going just a little beyond what's strictly ours to do — these small acts make a difference to everyone who shares Poundbury.

Thank you to Councillor Frances Hogwood for alerting us to the Parkrun incident.

Check out the Dorset Echo article for more information, and visit the Dorchester Parkrun website.