There is a major threat to the off-lead exercising of dogs in Coventry. The original Dog Control Order stated that dogs should be lead-restricted on “All sports grounds, fields, parks and pitches…but only when in use for officiated sporting matches.” However at the December 18th Cabinet Member, Policing and Equalities Meeting, the last 9 words were removed. This minor alteration has major implications for dogs and their owners, effectively making many parks and green spaces lead-only. We are against this because: • Dogs need regular exercise and social interaction. Reducing off-lead areas will lead to dogs that are less well-socialised, less well-exercised, and less able to exhibit their normal behaviour patterns. This will lead to more dog-related incidents of an anti-social nature, not less. • The leaving of dog mess on playing fields is already an offence. Further restrictions are therefore unnecessary. • Sports matches are played just a small percentage of the time, but our green spaces accommodate a diverse range of users, who should be able to share and fully-utilise these amenities. • Dogs are important to people for social interaction and physical wellbeing. Some elderly and vulnerable dog owners will be unable to travel further afield if their local green space no longer welcomes them. Those who would benefit most from dog ownership could find themselves unable to do so. • Park cafes and other amenities rely on dog owners for weekday trade. The viability of these businesses will be at risk. We call for the omitted words be reinstated so that when not in use, sports grounds, fields, parks and pitches may be used by owners to exercise dogs off-lead. Please sign our e-petition and also write to your local Councillor if you agree with us. epetitions.coventry.gov.uk/2014/12/dogs-need-places-to-play-coventry-responsible-dog-owners-unite/
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 15:37:54 +0000
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