In July 2024, our beloved pet Larry tragically lost his life in Greenwood Park, St Albans. Larry, engrossed in his natural instinct to chase, ran onto the adjoining A405, a busy highway with vehicles speeding at 70mph, where he was hit by a car. Like many other pets, Larry was freely running in the park, unencumbered by fences. However, the park's layout only places fencing near the football fields, leaving a large area open to the risk of dogs running out onto the highway. There is a significant risk of a serious car crash and injury to car passengers as a result of a dog going onto the busy road.  Why must we wait for incident and injury before preventative action is taken.

We are calling on the local authority to implement a comprehensive fencing solution to create a safe boundary between the park and the busy A405 highway. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) and various studies have underscored the essential role of fencing in preventing accidents involving pets in recreational spaces next to busy roads. It is an investment in the safety and wellbeing of numerous pets and their owners who regularly visit Greenwood Park.

It is too late for Larry, but by making this change, we can prevent other heart-wrenching incidents like Larry's from happening. It is time to prioritize the safety of every pet visiting Greenwood Park. Let's make this park a secure environment for our furry friends to play without the imminent threat of vehicular traffic. Please sign the petition to urge park authorities to install appropriate fencing around Greenwood Park.