Research & Evidence

Understanding the risks. Building the case for safer parks.

Kelpie's Law is being developed through ongoing research, public surveys and the experiences of dog owners and walkers across England, helping to build a clearer understanding of the risks dogs face in public parks and green spaces.

By identifying potential hazards, documenting previous incidents and examining existing safety responsibilities, the campaign aims to build an evidence-based case for clearer, consistent and enforceable safety standards in public parks and green spaces.

Why Research Matters

Kelpie's death raised an important question: how many other dogs have been put at risk by unsafe park boundaries, entrances or nearby hazards?

To understand the wider picture, Kelpie's Law is gathering evidence of previous incidents, near misses and safety concerns in public parks and green spaces.

This research will help identify recurring risks, understand where existing safeguards may be insufficient and inform practical, proportionate improvements.

The aim isn't to make every park fully enclosed or eliminate every possible risk. It's to ensure that foreseeable dangers are properly considered, particularly where parks border busy roads, railways, water or other serious hazards.

Woodthorpe Grange Park: A Local Case Study

On 9 October 2026, Kelpie became frightened during a walk in Woodthorpe Grange Park, Nottingham. We were in the central area of the park, away from its entrances and surrounding roads, when she suddenly ran and became separated from me.

Despite being nowhere near an exit, Kelpie managed to leave the park and reach Woodthorpe Drive, where she was tragically struck by a vehicle. Her exact route remains unconfirmed, although witness accounts suggest she ran towards the car park before reaching the road.

Since her death, research has begun into the park's boundaries, pedestrian and vehicle entrances, and reports of previous incidents involving other dogs. A local dog safety survey is also gathering experiences from park users to identify potential hazards, previous escapes and near misses.

This case study will help inform the wider campaign for clearer, consistent and enforceable safety standards in public parks and green spaces across England.

The survey takes approximately 3–5 minutes to complete, and your responses will help shape the evidence behind Kelpie's Law.

Have your say:
National Dog Safety Survey

Every experience matters, whether you've witnessed a serious incident, experienced a near miss or have never had concerns about the parks you visit.

The Kelpie's Law National Dog Safety Survey is gathering experiences from dog owners and walkers across England to help identify common hazards, understand perceptions of park safety and inform the campaign's proposals.

Building the Evidence

Research for Kelpie's Law is ongoing. Alongside the local and national surveys, the campaign is examining existing legislation, local authority responsibilities, park management practices and potential approaches to risk assessment and prevention.

As findings become available, they will be used to develop and strengthen the campaign's proposals for safer public parks and green spaces across England.

Research findings and updates will be published here as the campaign progresses.

Collecting experiences and identifying patterns.

Public Surveys

Legal Research

Reviewing existing duties and responsibilities.

Evidence Reports

Documenting findings and proposed improvements.