Dogs on leads

[emilynotail]

A local community group has been set up concerning our local recreation ground. A couple of months ago a dog killed a cat in the rec while off the lead.

Most of the members of this group, not being dog owners are pushing for a bylaw for all dogs to be kept on leads all of the time. Half the rec consists of a separate play area where dogs are not allowed. The other half is an open green space where people let their dogs run.

This is one of the only places nearby to exercise dogs. I think that it is unfair to punish all dogs/owners for this one dogs actions. I guess what I am really asking is would they be allowed to enforce/introduce this.

Thankyou for any input.

[daffy654]

I was under the impression that all dogs had to be on leads in a public place anyway.

[Ethel]

They can certainly push their request to the council and the council has the power to designate any open space 'dogs to be kept on a lead at all times'.
It doesn't mean the council will pass the bye law.

[Ethel]

daffy, the law only requires all dogs to have a collar and tag that identifies the owner when in a public place, and a lead to be used when in a field of livestock not belonging to the dog owner.
It is up to the councils to pass bye laws in respect of any public place under its control.

[daffy654]

Thanks for clarifying that Ethel. I'm not a dog owner so really don't keep up with the laws concerning them. I know there are signs up where I live stating that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times,our local council must have passed a bye law then :)

[jedimistress]

Ben Bradshaw MP introduced a new regulations under the Clean Neighbourhoods Act which enables any council to introduce new dog control bylaws.

More info here.

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/295/

Each council in England and Wales can take parts of the act and make their own policies. Some have been introducing the new laws more vigourously than others, and they are enforcable and punishable in the first instance by a fixed penalty. Then if you do not pay, you are likely to be prosecuted by the council.

The Kennel Club have set up a group called KC Dog which is working towards keeping the new laws realistic. Dogs should be able to excercise off the lead to keep them healthy. You should find more information on there about the whole thing. They also keep you informed if your council is planning any changes as some have been guilty of changing the law, not advertising or signposting it and sending out dog wardens to generate revenue.

For example in Exeter, you have to have a dog on a lead everywhere. Some councils are more lenient and use their common sense and keep it to certain areas like graveyards, childrens recreational areas etc

[paraffin]

With what's going on in the world today don't you think that some people obviously have far too much time on their hands and their priorities totally wrong?

Get a life !!!

[Ice.Maiden]

I agree with keeping dogs away from children's play areas, but for those not lucky enough to live near open countryside, I think there should be a place where dogs can run free. The trouble is, some - like mine - don't like other dogs to approach them, but then again, they can always be muzzled. All dogs need exercise and to be able to run round. A walk on a lead is too restricting.

[emilynotail]

Thanks for all the feedback. This issue may not be of world importance but it does greatly affect my day to day life.

[jedimistress]

I personally feel the laws are completey over the top, prohibitive and patronising against dog owners. There were already laws to legislate for stray dogs, dogs out of control etc. People know their own dogs and the great majority of people know if they should be on a lead or are lucky enough to allow their dog to run about or even walk on the pavement without one.

The new laws aren't exclusive to dogs on leads, they can also limit the number of dogs you can walk at one time!!!!

[emilynotail]

jedimistress, I think it is strange to have a law for the number of dogs you can walk. I've never seen that as a problem and surely that would be covered by the law to legislate for dogs out of control? Thanks for the info on KC dog.

I'm pleased I don't live in Exeter. That seems very over the top. I hope this bylaw doesn't get passed. For the majority of the year through the colder months dog walkers are the only ones to use this park and as you say - The owner know if their dog needs to be on a lead or not.