Blind woman fears irresponsible dog owners in Pershore Park

Dogs being let off their leads in Pershore Abbey Park means Sara Irvine and her dog Rosie struggle to walk safely through the park without being knocked over.

The Pershore resident, who is registered as blind or severely sight impaired with very limited vision, has experienced several dogs running up to her, which made her very unsteady on her feet and almost fall over.

There are signs across Pershore Abbey Park which outline to visitors that dogs must be kept on leads.

Signs in the park say dogs should be kept on leads. (Image: Sara Irvine) But she said "irresponsible dog owners" ignore these rules because they feel like it is their right to be regular park users.

She said: "I have had issues walking across the park many times and into town with my recently retired guide dog, Rosie, and using my long white cane. 

"There is an ongoing issue about people letting their dogs off the leads and running freely.

"We have had dogs run over to Rosie and me, making me very unsteady on my feet and almost knocking me over as I do not see them.

"It clearly states that dogs must be kept on leads. Irresponsible dog owners clearly do not abide by these rules.

"The rules are made for a reason, as there are people who are afraid of dogs and certainly do not want dogs running up to them."

She also suggested that a local school use the playing fields for PE and that children should be allowed to use the park without worrying about dogs off leads.

She added: "Just because they’ve always walked their dogs off the leads does make it right.

"The park is there for everyone to enjoy.

"There are other places in Pershore for people to free run their dogs."

She added that signs in several places around the park clearly state that all dogs must be kept on leads.

Tim Lewis, Head of Client Services, said: “We ask that all dog-owners have responsible behaviour in our parks, open spaces and nature reserves and keep dogs on leads, especially around children’s play areas, sports pitches and our waterplay parks.

“Dog walkers should be considerate of other park users who are in the area by keeping their dogs on leads, and we also wish to remind dog owners to dispose of their dog’s waste in the appropriate bins around the area or take it home with them.”