Fury as 'killjoy' Royal Parks cancel dog Halloween party

The Royal Parks in London have been slammed as "killjoys" and a "buzzkill" after the annual Halloween sausage dog walk was axed. Organisers of the "Halloweenie" Party in Hyde Park have hit out at the park's decision to cancel the event over fears it would be too popular. The "friendly, community get together for families and dogs", which has run since 2017, was scheduled to take place on Sunday (October 26). It involves dachshunds owners gathering with their dogs who are dressed up in a Halloween costume.

However, the organisers announced on social media that the walk in Hyde Park this year would no longer go ahead after the Royal Parks intervened and stopped the event. The event planners said online: "Unfortunately, this weekend's walk has to be cancelled. The Royal Parks events team got in touch and is being extra cautious after all the media attention, and although we've never had any issues in eight years, we must follow their regulations."

Posts on social media to advertise the walking event had garnered over 100,000 likes. In response, the Royal Parks claimed that the gathering would need a "small event" license to go ahead, and there was not enough time to apply for one before it was due to take place.

The organisers said: "This isn't the end. It's the start of something even better... we're going online. Introducing the Hyde Halloweenie best dressed Instagram competition. Share your pup's spookiest, funniest, or cutest costume to enter."

More than 200 dog owners have since condemned the cancellation, with one previous attendee saying the move was a "big shame and a bit of buzzkill".

Roberta Manfaedini, 35, is one dog owner who decided to not attend the walk following the announcement.

"It was quite unexpected and it's ridiculous to be honest," she said. "There's so many other things for them to be worried about, and this is just people getting together with their dogs to celebrate Halloween. It's not like 100,000 people were going to turn up - it's not an event at Wembley stadium."

Ms Manfaedini added: "We'll have to see what happens with the Christmas walk. I hope it's just a misunderstanding, but it is a killjoy decision to cancel what's supposed to be a lovely community event."

A Royal Parks spokesman said: "Any event organiser wishing to organise a small event within The Royal Parks is required to submit an application six weeks ahead of the event taking place to ensure that every new event application is assessed appropriately and in line with park regulations to protect the space and ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors.

"In this case, the organisers did not approach The Royal Parks to apply for an event licence and the event was unauthorised."