Residents call for dogs to remain on lead after attacks on Tooting Common geese

Residents have been calling for dog owners to keep their canines on the lead around Tooting Common lake after multiple attempted attacks on the Egyptian Geese family.

The cute and fast-growing baby goslings have been an attraction for residents and visitors to the common since they were born.

In recent times, however, residents have seen the family become distressed when 'yappy' dogs have been 'out of control' near the lake.

A call for the installation of 'keep your dog on its lead' signage around the lake has been circulating on social media.

Although some residents feel this won't be enough to stop dog owners.

The Egyptian Geese parents are extremely protective over their goslings, causing them to get aggressive at dogs and other wildlife if they get too close.

Lola, a local resident who witnessed a dog try to attack the family, said:

"Yesterday evening our beloved majestic Egyptian geese and their goslings were having a bit of a quiet feeding time away from other ducks and crowds of people when a yappy crazy Yorkshire terrier tried to attack the babies.

"The goslings had to run into the lake for safety and the parents had to try and scare the dog away."

Lola says the dog owner had headphones in and was 'oblivious' to the dog attack.

"We tried to tell him, that he should keep his uncontrollable dog on a lead round the lake but obviously wasn't listening," said Lola.

"It would be so sad for more of these beautiful animals to die unnecessarily."

Another resident, Carol, said she experienced a similar incident.

She said: "I had the same problem this morning. Dog not on a lead nearly bit one of the Egyptian parents. When asking the owner to put the dog on a lead. She told us it was her right to walk anywhere on the common."

It is understood that Friends Of Tooting Common has requested for appropriate signage to be installed.

Signs have recently been installed around the common in an attempt to deter the ever-growing rat population.

The sign reads: "Rats are an increasing problem on some of our open spaces.

"Please help us to control the problem and reduce rat numbers.

"You can do this by not feeding the ducks, squirrels, pigeons and other wildlife.

"Most of this food is eaten by the rats encouraging the growth in numbers.

"You can also help by clearing up after your dog. Rats feed on dog faeces."

Enable Parks has since released a statement saying: "We are in the process of getting new, additional signs put up around the lake imminently, so soon we should have more signs around the lake to advise people that their dogs need to be on their lead around lakes."

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