main content Dog control order consultation

The consultation period is now at an end. Thank you for your input.

We have reviewed all comments, and will report to Council Members on 21st September on the outcome of the consultation. It is intended that the orders will be implemented on 1st October, subject to Member approval.

In addition, we are engaging with a number of dog organisations in the area to discuss the detail of the proposed Dog Control Orders, and have responded to all those who contacted us with comments.

Details

The consultation took place for 28 days during June, ending on 30th June, and was a proposal to replace the current system of by-laws for the control of dogs with the powers proposed under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, which enable local authorities to issue fines to anyone in charge of a dog for a range of offences.

It is proposed that the Dog Control Orders will replaced the old system of by-laws: we have simply applied these orders to the existing areas. This enables us to carry out proactive management through the use of fixed penalty notices to ensure that the borough is a safe and pleasant environment for all users of the borough's open spaces.

We will be imposing fines for dog fouling offences in accordance with the new legislation:

Where dog restrictions are already in place we will be asking dog walkers to ensure dogs are kept on leads at all times.
Children’s playgrounds and ball court enclosures will be restricted areas banning dogs.
We have not introduced a ban on dogs within the borough parks and open spaces.
We have not introduced a restriction requiring all dog walkers to have their dogs on leads at all times in public places.

Under the proposals, an £80 fixed penalty notice could be issued if you:

Fail to clean up after your dog(s)
Let your dog(s) off the lead in designated areas
Fail to put your dog(s) on a lead when instructed to do so by an authorised officer
Permit a dog to enter areas from which dogs are excluded.

Please note that certain people requiring the use of trained assistance dogs (trained by a prescribed charity) are exempt from Dog Control Orders.