Rishi Sunak has been spotted with his dog roaming free in a park – right by a sign saying they must be kept on leads to protect wildlife.
The Prime Minister took his Labrador Nova for a walk in Hyde Park with wife Akshata Murthy and one of their two daughters.
But the two-year-old dog was spotted freely wandering around by the Serpentine Lake.
Two pigeons are seen flying away as Nova turned towards them.
Mr Sunak, 42, can be seen the background clutching a hot drink and then looking away.
Dogs must be kept on leads in that part of the central London park to protect animals.
It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to disturb wildlife.
Mr Sunak was spotted on Serpentine Road, in Hyde Park with fox red Labrador Nova on Saturday (11 March) at about 2pm.
One onlooker said: “Rishi Sunak and his family were walking their dog in Hyde Park.
“I was just outside Benugo cafe with my friends and I was patting this dog without any idea Rishi Sunak was there at first.
“I was stroking his dog without knowing it was his dog for ages.
“Then I look up and the dog is running towards Rishi
“He was on a walk with his wife and daughter and the dog.
“There were security officers with them following quite closely.”
She added: “There was a large clear sign saying that all dogs must be kept on a lead because of the lake but Rishi’s dog was not on a lead.
“It was sort of running about, like barking at a few of the birds and stuff.”
“I thought it would be funny to film it.
“One of the security guards tried to get the dog back.
“Rishi had to get involved and managed to grab the dog and his wife put it on the lead.”
The sign read: “No swimming.
“No fishing allowed in the lake except for designated areas.
“Dogs must be kept on leads. Do not allow them to enter the lake or disturb the wildlife.
“It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to disturb wildlife.
“For more information visit royalparks.org.uk
The Royal Parks website adds: “Dogs are welcome in all the Royal Parks although there are some places where they are not allowed or must be kept on a lead.
“These are clearly indicated within each park and are usually ecologically sensitive sites, deer parks, children’s play areas, restaurants, cafes and some sports areas.
“When walking your dog in the Royal Parks please respect the wildlife as well as the other park users by keeping your dog under control.
“Ground nesting birds are particularly sensitive to disturbance by dogs and people. Please observe the warning signs displayed during the nesting season.”
It states “Areas where dogs need to be kept on leads” and then lists “The Rose Garden” and “Edge of the Serpentine Lake.”
In all parks dogs must be kept on leads anywhere in Hyde Park that is “near roadways” or “near water.”
In January, Mr Sunak was fined for not wearing a seatbelt in a moving car.
Lancashire Police issued a fixed penalty notice.
Passengers caught failing to wear one can be fined £100, but can go up to £500 if the matter goes to court.
Downing Street has been approached for comment.
