Joint operation to educate dog owners in Three Rivers

A joint operation was held in Rickmansworth recently to help educate dog owners on their responsibilities around protecting wildlife.

Officers from both Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Rural Operational Support Team (ROST) and the local Safer Neighbourhood Team, joined representatives from Three Rivers District Council, for the day of action at the Aquadrome on Saturday 14 August.

The operation was carried out following several reports of dogs chasing wildlife.

PC Jenny Edwards, from the ROST, said: “There is significant wildlife present in the area and dogs not on a lead or under control, can cause significant harm and even death. The area is well used by the local community and we want to avoid them having to witness any distressing scenes.

“The aim of the event was to speak with dog owners, to educate them on their responsibilities around keeping their dogs under control. We also used it as an opportunity to engage with members of the public, to give crime prevention advice and to discuss any issues they may be experiencing in their local neighbourhood.

“It was a great success and I hope it shows members of the public that we do take these issues seriously when they are raised with the police. I’d like to thank all those who took the time to stop and speak with us, as well as our colleagues at Three Rivers Council for their support on the day.”

Cllr Phil Williams, the council's Lead member for Environmental Services, Climate Change and Sustainability, said: “Even the best trained dogs can get carried away when out in parkland or the countryside, so this joint operation has been an extremely important opportunity to remind owners that they must be in complete control of their pets in order to prevent wildlife from being chased, alarmed or injured.

“I’m immensely grateful to Hertfordshire Police for working with us and helping to highlight this serious issue.”