Metropolitan Police Service's partnership initiative encourages responsible dog ownership and reduces anti-social behaviour involving dogs
Local environmental awareness on dogs (LEAD) – new smarter practice published
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The College of Policing has released a new smarter practice example, highlighting an initiative that tackles anti-social behaviour involving dogs and protects local communities.
Collaborative approach
The local environmental awareness on dogs (LEAD) initiative was first launched by the Metropolitan Police Service in Sutton. It followed growing concerns about irresponsible dog ownership in the London borough.
LEAD's strength is its collaborative approach, which brings together:
- police
- local authorities
- registered social landlords
- animal welfare organisations, for example, the RSPCA
It aims to educate and inform residents about responsible dog ownership, while also enforcing the law when necessary.
Results
LEAD's early intervention approach delivered notable results in Sutton where 94% of cases resolved after the first stage of intervention. Of 386 owners who engaged with the programme between 2011 and 2021, only eight went on to offend under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 – a success rate of 98%.
Following its success in London, LEAD has since been implemented by several other police forces across England and Wales, including:
- Thames Valley Police
- Hertfordshire Police
- Gwent Police
- North Wales Police
Surrey police have piloted the initiative in three boroughs.
Anti-social behaviour
The LEAD initiative comes into focus during anti-social behaviour (ASB) awareness week, which runs from 30 June to 6 July 2025, highlighting the impact that ASB can have on communities and showcasing successful approaches to tackling it.
Smarter practice
The College has recognised LEAD as a smarter practice. Smarter practice refers to activities that have been tried in a force, jointly reviewed by the College, His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) and the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC), and considered suitable for further testing and implementation.
You can find LEAD and other smarter practice examples in our practice bank.
