CONSULTATION UNDERWAY ON NEW DOG ORDERS

The public are being asked for their views on new orders drawn up to tackle dog fouling and the control of dogs in public places.
The orders include cleaning up after your dog on all public land in the county, putting your dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer and excluding dogs from children’s play areas.
Residents and stakeholders will be able to give their views as part of the consultation process.
Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Although the majority of dog owners are responsible, there are a minority who do not care; and residents, local members and community councils have been asking us to take action for a long time.
“A number of changes in legislation have held up the process but we are now in a position to proceed with these three orders which reflect the results of the public survey we carried out back in April.
“We believe the orders will make it easier to deal quickly and efficiently with irresponsible dog owners as well as bring a number of benefits including creating a cleaner environment, reducing the health risks associated with dog mess and promoting responsible dog ownership.”
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) were created under the Anti-social, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to give local authorities greater flexibility in tackling irresponsible dog owners and incidents involving dogs.
Failure to comply with an order will result in a fixed penalty notice of up to £100 or a maximum fine of £1,000 in the magistrates court.
There are some exemptions to the orders, for example for assistance dogs and working dogs.
As well as seeking the views of the public, the council is also consulting with a number of partner organisations and interested parties such as the police, town and community councils, the tourist association, the Kennel Club and the Dogs Trust.
To give your views on the orders please visit i-Local between October 19 and December 14.
A report with the results of the consultation will go before the Executive Board in February 2016 for a final decision on whether to proceed with the orders.