What are your views on the new Dog Control Orders that come into effect on 19th October 2014 across Central Bedfordshire? This is the press release from Central Beds Council.........THE green and pleasant nature of Central Bedfordshire makes it a great place to own and walk dogs, and it is estimated that almost a quarter of all households do. Whilst the overwhelming majority of dog owners act responsibly, local people often express concern about people not clearing up after their pets or walking them inconsiderately. So, following extensive consultation with the public, town and parish councils, land managers, and other organisations such as dog charities, Central Bedfordshire Council is introducing four dog control orders to help improve its towns, villages, parks and green spaces for dog owners and other residents. The orders, which will come into effect on Sunday, 19 October, aim to cut down on amounts of dog mess, restrict dogs from places such as children’s playgrounds and ensure that people keep their dogs on a leads in certain areas including cemeteries and where there are marked sports pitches. Councillor Brian Spurr, Executive Member for Community Services, said: “Central Bedfordshire Council seeks to promote responsible dog ownership. I know that the majority of dog owners are very considerate towards others, and we hope that these new orders will help to encourage others to be just as responsible and caring. “The aim is certainly not to put people off owning and walking dogs, but to help make our parks and countryside welcoming places for everyone. “Dog fouling and irresponsible dog ownership can unfortunately put some people off using these areas – especially more vulnerable groups of society – so we hope that by introducing these new orders, we can improve the enjoyment of our green spaces for all residents and visitors.” Two-thirds of the more than 500 people who completed an online questionnaire as part of the consultation said they were dog owners, and the majority of respondents backed introducing the control orders. Cllr Spurr added: “These orders are designed to improve public health by reducing levels of potentially harmful dog waste and encouraging more people who may previously have been put off using our parks and countryside to take more exercise. “Owning or walking a dog is a great incentive to get outside and exercise right through the year, and we hope that these new orders will encourage all residents to do just that.” What control orders mean for those in charge of dogs To find out more about the dog control orders, visit centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/dogcontrol - this will appear on our website when the orders come into force on 19 October. The new orders mean that it will be an offence not to pick up dog foul from all areas and land to which the public have access, whether they have to pay or otherwise, rather than just the confines of towns and villages. They will make it an offence for anyone in charge of a dog to: Fail to remove dog foul on any open land in Central Bedfordshire. Allow it off a lead on any land to which a ‘dogs on leads’ order is in place – laws already apply to A and B roads and adjoining footpaths and verges, but are being extended to cover cemeteries, marked sports pitches, and the car parks of some country parks. Fail to put it on a lead when ordered to do so by an authorised council officer, dog warden, site manager or park ranger, if the dog is not under proper control and is causing a nuisance to others. Allow their animal to enter or remain in an area from which dogs are excluded, such as enclosed children’s playgrounds and multi-use games areas. Anyone who fails to do so faces a fixed penalty notice of £80 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days) – or a fine of up to £1,000 if prosecuted. Central Bedfordshire Council provides more than 600 dog waste bins, and accepts bagged dog foul in the 900 normal litter bins across the region. It also supplies at least 30,000 bio-degradable bags at Rushmere Country Park, Dunstable Downs, and Baulk Wood, and supports parish councils and volunteer groups to provide bags in their local areas. CBC is providing training for up to 30 officers from the council and other agencies to ensure that the orders are enforced and to hand out fixed penalty notices.
Posted on: Wed, 08 Oct 2014 03:44:12 +0000