Up until recently, Kingston upon Thames had been celebrated as one of London's most pet-friendly boroughs, according to local resident, Sophia McHardy.

With the sweeping paths of Canbury Gardens and miles of scenic riverfront, it was viewed as a haven for the area's thriving canine population.

However, a series of mounting hazards has left local dog owners asking a worrying question: 'is Kingston's riverside becoming unsafe for our pets?'.

The issue was thrust into the spotlight last week following an urgent warning from the Environment Agency about the presence of toxic blue-green algae along the Ham and Kingston stretch of the River Thames.

Thriving in this warm, calm and dry summer season, the cyanobacteria can trigger rapid, fatal liver failure in our furry friends if ingested.

You would be forgiven for thinking that the dangers of the riverside would therefore ease as we enter the cooler months, but winter brings its own challenges for dog safety.

Wet, muddy terrain creates a breeding ground for bacterial infections, whilst the threat of cold water shock and stronger currents will continue to make navigating Kingston's riverside increasingly dangerous.

Beyond water-based hazards, long-term walkers have noted increased physical hazards on dry land too. Submerged debris, plastic pollution and hidden shards of broken glass all pose significant threats to the safety of our pets.

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In response to these hazards, Kingston Council continues to urge vigilance, reminding residents to keep dogs strictly out of the water and on leads where signage dictates.

But for a community that centers its daily routine around the beauty of the Thames, the restrictions feel like a heavy blow.

Our riverside remains a beautiful asset, but the days of letting your dog roam blindly along the water's edge may be over. For now, Kingston's dog owners must trade freedom for frustration as we look towards an increasingly uncertain future.

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