Man Gets Parking Ticket Bringing Paralysed Dog to Vet
Council adamant Chiswick High Road restrictions must be enforced
8-year-old Ridy can no longer walk after spinal surgery. Picture: Claudio Gigante
November 10, 2026
A local dog owner says he was left disappointed after Hounslow Council rejected an appeal against a parking ticket issued while he was taking his recently paralysed dog to a follow-up veterinary appointment.
Claudio Gigante received a Penalty Charge Notice after parking close to Village Vet on Chiswick High Road on 31 October while carrying his eight-year-old dog, Rudy, a crossbreed Labrador and Australian Shepherd, who is recovering from emergency spinal surgery.
Rudy underwent surgery on 21 October after suddenly losing the use of his back legs. Weighing around 20kg and currently unable to walk, he requires assistance with moving and everyday care. According to Mr Gigante, parking close to the practice was essential because he had to carry the dog into the clinic and it was too far from where he would normally park.
The appointment was a scheduled post-operative check-up at Village Vet, located at 113 Chiswick High Road. Mr Gigante said he left the car around 10 metres from the practice, displayed a note on the dashboard explaining Rudy's condition and switched on his hazard lights before taking the dog inside.
While he was at the appointment, a parking enforcement officer issued a penalty charge. The fine was set at £160, reduced to £80 if paid within the discount period.
Mr Gigante challenged the notice but says the response from the council failed to address the exceptional circumstances surrounding Rudy's condition.
"I understand that this did not authorise me to park there," he said. "My challenge asked the Council to consider these exceptional circumstances. Its rejection explains the restrictions but does not specifically address the situation I described, which left me feeling that the practical difficulties had not been acknowledged."
He stressed that he is not disputing that he parked where restrictions were in force, but believes the circumstances warranted a more compassionate approach.
"This has been an overwhelming time for us," he said. "The discounted £80 penalty is almost the cost of Rudy's £90 physiotherapy session. Had this been a routine appointment with a dog able to walk, I would have used an appropriate parking space, as I have done over the years."
Mr Gigante said he is not seeking to avoid responsibility but hopes the council will reconsider the case on compassionate grounds.
"What I am hoping for is a more personal response and reconsideration on compassionate grounds. If the Council maintains its decision, I will pay without pursuing further appeals, although I will remain of the opinion that cancellation would have been reasonable in these circumstances.
"Behind every number plate are people and their stories; sometimes, I believe those stories deserve a little more consideration."
The car parked on Chiswick High Road. Picture: Hounslow Council
A spokesperson for Hounslow Council said: "Hounslow Council appreciates that taking an animal to the vet can sometimes be a stressful experience, and we recognise that pet owners may have particular needs when transporting their animals.
"However, parking restrictions are in place to ensure the safe and effective operation of the highway, including maintaining traffic flow, protecting road users and preventing obstructions. Double yellow lines prohibit waiting at any time, and additional loading restrictions apply where indicated by the relevant signage and road markings.
"There are alternative paid-for parking facilities available in nearby side roads, and motorists are expected to consider the available parking arrangements when planning their journeys.
"Where a pet requires additional assistance with transportation, we would encourage owners to contact their veterinary practice in advance to discuss whether assistance can be provided on arrival.
"The Council takes all parking challenges and representations seriously. Anyone who receives a Penalty Charge Notice has the right to make representations in accordance with the statutory process. The outcome of any individual case is considered on its own merits and in line with the relevant legislation."
The council added that it could not comment on the specific circumstances of an individual penalty charge case for privacy reasons, but encouraged the motorist to continue using the formal representations process if he wished to pursue the matter further.
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