Braintree Council holds one-off dog day event in Witham

Braintree Council held a one-off Dog Day on Guithavon Green in Witham on Saturday, as part of the Safer Streets programme in Witham.

Safer Streets is a Home Office supported project which provides targeted intervention in key areas in Witham and aims to improve people’s perception of safety.

A trio of pups enjoying each other's company (Image: Braintree Council)

The programme has a primary aim of reducing violence against women and girls, neighbourhood crime and anti-social behaviour.

A dressed-up dog pictured at the event (Image: Braintree Council)

The council, through the Safer Streets programme, will be launching a number of activities over the next year.

One of the Essex Therapy Dogs from the event (Image: Braintree District Council)

Partners include the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner’s Office for Essex, Essex Police, Witham Town Council, Neighbourhood Watch, Fusion Lifestyle, Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse, Eastlight Community Homes, Crimestoppers and Essex County Council.

A retired police dog enjoying some shade (Image: Braintree Council)

The aim of the Dog Day event was to sign up residents for Dog Watch, which is an Essex Police led scheme.

Residents and prized pooches enjoy the mini dog show (Image: Braintree Council)

Dog owners and walkers are usually familiar with the area where they live and could have the opportunity to spot anything out of place or suspicious while walking their dog, which they are encouraged to report.

Those signed up also receive a weekly e-newsletter about any local crimes involving dogs to be aware of. 

The Dogs Trust stall at the event (Image: Braintree Council)

More than 50 people signed up to the Dog Watch scheme, providing a growing network of dog walkers and owners to work with the police and report concerns such as graffiti, drug dealing or suspicious activity, nuisance vehicles and speeding, antisocial behaviour, flytipping, dog fouling, hare coursing and more.

A peculiar dog-on-dog interaction (Image: Braintree Council)

More than 200 people attended the event with their dogs of all shapes and sizes.

In attendance were Essex Police, Guide Dogs, Essex Therapy Dogs, Essex Retired Police Dogs Fund, the Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Community360, Mignon House and PuppyLuv Dog Training.

As well as meeting other dogs and dog owners, visitors were able to go on guided walks around the River Walk with Essex Police and enter a mini dog show.