Longer Consultation On New Dog Rules

Your views requested on Council proposals for a new set of rules for dog owners

The town hall is planning to introduce dog control orders to tackle problems caused by irresponsible owners. These will replace existing but outdated bye-laws and also include areas not currently covered by any form of regulation.

Executive member for environment and leisure Cllr Sarah McDermott pictured left said:
"The new rules would make it compulsory for owners to clear up after their dogs every time they make a mess. This should go a long way to reducing public concern about dog fouling.

"Existing dog ban areas would continue and these would mainly apply to common-sense places like playgrounds, sports pitches and bowling greens.

"Dog walkers would of course be free to continue exercising their dogs off their leads on the vast majority of land in our parks and commons. They would only be required to put dogs on leads in exceptional circumstances at the request of an officer if the dog was considered to be out of control, or in specific areas where the use of leads is considered sensible, such as in the seating area of the cafe or in car parks.

"Despite some misleading reports to the contrary, I can assure local people that we have absolutely no intention of imposing a blanket ban on dogs in our parks and open spaces."

If introduced, the new rules would mean that anyone who failed to clear up after their dog could be fined. This would apply across the entire borough, not just in places where existing 'poop-scoop' byelaws apply. Owners would not be able to let their dogs foul in the gutter or the road surface without removing it.

Dogs would also have to be kept on a lead whilst being walked on the public highway in places like town centres and residential areas.