CONSULTATION UNDERWAY FOR DOG CONTROL ORDERS IN THE BOROUGH
Dog owners may soon receive a £75 fixed penalty notice if they don't clean up after their dog as well as keeping them on leads in designated areas in Bedford Borough.
Bedford Borough Council has now started a consultation to introduce new dog control laws in the borough which may replace a range of complex and out of date legislation. The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 enables the Council to implement new orders, which provide for the offences below:
· Permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded;
· Failing to remove dog mess;
· Not keeping a dog on a lead;
· Not putting, and keeping a dog on a lead when directed to do so;
· Offence of taking more than a Specified Number of Dogs onto Land
It is hoped this will make the laws associated with dog control clearer to the general public. The consultation is open to all, however, the Council is particularly interested to hear from dog owners and those who use public spaces that are used for dog walking to find out what changes they might like to see introduced before any new orders are implemented.
Councillor Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: "The vast majority of dog owners act responsibly and keep their animals on a lead when required and clear up after them.
"However, we are aware that some dog owners do not take responsibility for their animals and regularly let their dogs' foul without clearing up after them. This causes problems for everyone as well as blighting our parks and open spaces.
"That is why we are looking into introducing new dog control orders to clear up some of the confusion which currently exists and making it crystal clear what is expected of anyone who takes their dog into a public area.
"The Council's 'Why Would You?' campaign is trying to tackle anti-social behaviour, such as dog fouling, littering, graffiti and fly-tipping by adopting a zero-tolerance approach to anyone carrying out anti-social behaviour.
"I would urge anyone who has thoughts on these issues to respond to the consultation."
The consultation is currently underway and ends at 5pm on 14th May 2012. A consultation report will be taken to the Council Executive to consider the adoption of the new Dog Control Orders in the summer.
You can respond to the consultation in the following ways:
Online: http://www.bedford.gov.uk/dogcontrol
By post: CONSULTING BEDFORD
FREEPOST ANG5840
BEDFORD
MK40 1ZD
By email: consultingbedford@bedford.gov.uk
By phone: 01234 228435
In person: At any Bedford Borough library or Town Hall and Borough Hall reception.