DOGS could soon be banned from some parks in Redbridge under new proposals being considered by the council.

Owners may no longer be able to walk their pets in their favourite green spaces or be forced to keep them on a lead when the authority brings in new 'Dog Control Orders' next year.

If approved the powers, which are part of the Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005, will also allow the council to bring in tougher enforcement of dog fouling in the borough's parks - including hefty fines.

No details of the new controls have yet been finalised, but they have already caused outrage in other parts of the UK where they have been used to exclude dogs from land which has been used by owners for generations.

Anne Spacey - who regularly walks her Staffordshire Bull Terrier cross, Tara, in Ray Lodge Park - said banning dogs from green spaces or forcing owners to keep them on leads at all times was 'completely impractical.'

She said: "Dogs really need to run, and it would be completely impractical to stop owners letting them off the leash to get the exercise they need.

"Most dog owners behave considerately and stick to the rules. It feels like these new controls would punish all of us."

Mrs Spacey, of Hillside Avenue, said the council could have problems enforcing the new controls.

She said: "People will just completely ignore these controls unless there are more officers around to enforce them.

"There used to be a warden in Ray Lodge Park all the time, but you never really see any officers here now."

These views were shared by Jane Fellows, who has walked her pet Jack Russell Berty in Christchurch Green for ten years.

She said: "It's worrying that they could just ban dog walkers from certain parks.

"They would face a lot of opposition if they tried to do that."

A council spokeswoman said: "The council is currently consulting on potential Dog Control Orders for the borough’s Parks.

"We are currently consulting with other boroughs and there will also be public consultation in the near future.

"Proposals are in relation to dog fouling, exclusion from certain areas and sites, and keeping dogs on leads if directed to do so.

"Once consultation is completed, the plans will be presented for consideration by cabinet. Currently, park byelaws and dog fouling legislation can be used where necessary to ensure dog owners act responsibly in the borough's parks. ”