Nuneaton and Bedworth dog owners could be forced to keep pets on leads in council crackdown

[dutchman]

Dog walkers face tougher rules and bigger fines



Dog walkers could be forced to keep their pets on leads on pavements in Nuneaton and Bedworth.

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council is looking to crack down on out-of-control dogs by putting tougher rules in place to punish irresponsible dog owners.

Councillor Barry Longden, cabinet member for health and environment is calling for residents to share their views on the plans.

He said: “We are currently consulting with residents about updating existing dog control powers, which have been drafted with the aim of continuing to enforce responsible pet ownership in public spaces in the Borough.

“I would encourage people to take part in the consultation and tell us their opinion as it will help to shape the decisions we make moving forward.

“We understand that the majority of dog owners in the Borough are responsible.

“Unfortunately though, there are inconsiderate individuals who continue to leave their dogs’ mess in parks and on pathways, or let their pet run loose in cemeteries, which could obviously cause upset to other visitors - and these orders are designed to penalise the responsible parties.”

The council is looking to make a public space protection order to update is existing powers on dog control.

Under the proposals, the order would look to cover four areas of concern.

These are dogs fouling in areas across the borough, dogs being put on a lead if a dog walker is instructed to by an authorised officer, dogs being kept on leads in certain locations and dogs being excluded from specified areas.

If the order was put in place the council would be looking to make dogs be kept on leads on all public roads, pavements and footways and pedestrianised roads within the Borough. They would have to be on leads on any grass verge next to a road or footpath and on any sport grounds, fields and pitches when they are being used for authorised sporting activities. This will also include the Oaston Road, Bucks Hill, Attleborough, Coventry Road and Marston Lane cemeteries.

Dogs will also be banned from specified children’s play areas, multi-use games areas, skateparks, BMX tracks and green gyms and the Heart of England Crematorium.

If the council puts these plans into place, dog owners who break the rules will be slapped with a £100 fine to be paid within 14 days, which would be reduced to £80 if paid within 10 days.

[rebbonk]

Irresponsible dog owners are a menace, but is that any reason to clamp down on all dog owners? Possibly about time that the authorities tackled to root cause?