Questions for members living in England...

[phoebesmom]

It looks as though we might be making a move to England early next year, and would love it if some of the members in England could give me some info.

I live in Switzerland which is a wonderfully dog friendly place - you literally see dogs everywhere with their owners, e.g. in restaurants, shops, forests, hotels, city streets, all forms of public transport - I could go on and on. I spent the last 10 days in England visiting my daughter in London, and thought I would see a lot more dogs out and about. I did see a couple being walked on the 'commons', and is that where most of you take your dogs for walkies? What are the leash laws like? I was surprised to see a couple of muzzled dogs, and would that be up to the owners' discretion, or are there laws for that. I am just very interested in knowing the doggy related issues about living over there, as this would be the first time I would have lived there.

Sorry for all the questions, but I am really interested to know what it will be like.

[gmacleod]

Where in England are you thinking of moving? To London, or elsewhere?

I'm afraid it's not continental Europe where dogs are welcome in stores, restaurants, hotels etc. You can take them on public transport, but really only during off-peak times (and it's so crowded during peak periods, you wouldn't want to take your dog then anyway). I've had Henri on trains several times, and it hasn't been an issue.

Most people walk their dogs on the commons, many of which contain areas of forest. And there are usually designated off-leash areas there (not necessarily fenced though). The law requires dogs to be leashed in public places, except for those areas designated off-leash. And you need to pick up after your dog or risk a £200 fine (though I'm sure you can guess that some people pay more attention to that than others ;)). Bins specially for dog waste are provided in most puclic parks/commons.

As far as muzzling goes, so far as I'm aware that would be up to the owners. I've only ever seen greyhounds wearing them.

Outside of London, I'm sure things are more relaxed. But it's a pretty crowded city, and you don't see dogs all that often on the city streets. One thing I do note though, is that cars are far more likely to stop to let me cross the road if I have a dog in tow ;) LOL

[phoebesmom]

Thanks for your, as usual, prompt reply Gwyneth! We would be living either in London or Bristol, not too sure at this stage.

The picking up of doggie waste wouldn't be a problem, as we are also required to do it over here, and it is such a habit by now. I hear what you say about some people being fussier than others!! Do you have to supply your own bags?

Now that you mention it, I think it was in fact Greyhounds that I saw muzzled - I'm just curious, why is that?

I agree about the public transport issue, it would be pretty squashy as well as pretty stressful for a dog.

I just have to tell you, that I saw the most beautiful Boxer on Portobello (sp?) Road and was given a wonderful smooshy kiss from her in typical Boxer style, and of everything that I saw on the market I would have gladly taken her home with me!

[gmacleod]

Yes, you have to bring your own bags.

On the Greyhounds - I'm not sure. I've seen that in several countries though and am going to hazzard a guess that it's because they're ex-racing greyhounds (who're also always walked muzzled) who've been adopted and are *very* inclined to chase. Perhaps it's to stop them doing any damage if they catch something? Possibly they're simply inclined to bite - I note that they race in basket muzzles too.

LOL - I'm sure there's a greyhound owner out there who knows the answer. Next time I see one, I might just ask them :)

[Olivier]

I have taken photos of the dog bins :lol:
That's the common one:
http://www.megapixelworld.com/photography/showphoto.php?photo=619

That's a nice one from any royal parks:
http://www.megapixelworld.com/photography/showphoto.php?photo=633

It would be nice to meet you if you move to London :)

Olly

[phoebesmom]

It would be nice to meet you if you move to London :)
[/QUOTE]

Ditto!!

Thanks for the info and pics Olly :D . I will keep you posted on our plans and I'm sure I'll be bugging both you and Gwyneth for many more answers to questions on the whole England issue!