In London, Akshata Murthy, wife of the former prime minister, was admonished by police after a video surfaced showing a dog off leash in Hyde Park. The incident centered on a pet that wandered freely near Serpentine Lake and prompted authorities to remind the owner of leash rules in a public space.
Officials confirmed they spoke with the woman and clarified the park regulations. The dog was placed on a leash following the conversation, and no further action was taken by law enforcement. A clip circulating on a popular social platform depicted a man who previously allowed a red Labrador to run free in the same park, and after a discussion with officers, the animal was similarly leashed.
Hyde Park has signage near the lake that requires dogs to be leashed. The policy exists in part to protect wildlife and is enforced under local rules designed to prevent disturbance to wildlife and to uphold conservation aims.
Representatives from the prime minister’s office declined to offer comment on the Labrador incident, which involved the dog named Nova. The broader political context includes ongoing attention to public safety and animal control practices in iconic city spaces.
Previously, the prime minister faced questions related to a separate safety matter when a person was recorded driving a company vehicle without a seat belt. The individual later addressed the situation openly, apologizing for the oversight. This moment underscores how public figures and their households are often in the crosshairs of daily life where public spaces, private conduct, and media scrutiny intersect.