Dog Control Orders Consultation
Dog Control Orders
I would like to introduce myself, I am Tarka the dog you can see me in the picture below. I have asked my master to send in this article to explain the attitude of my many friends and their owners. We all understand that we should not be allowed to go into children’s play areas and that dog faeces should be removed in parks with collection bins. But most importantly we should be allowed to run free off a lead and play in open spaces. We ask what is wrong with existing dog control orders and we are sure that this must be costly bureaucracy going too far?
Please respond to the Elmbridge consultation which is on their website at www.elmbridge.gov.uk/leisure/parks/dogs.htm . It is also reproduced here.
Dog Control Orders
In order to provide a safer and cleaner environment for residents and visitors, Elmbridge Borough Council is proposing to introduce new Dog Control Orders to replace current byelaws surrounding dogs.
Dog control orders can give powers to local authorities under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act to deal with the following offences. Elmbridge Borough Council are consulting on these particular elements:a) Fouling of land by dogs or failing to remove dog faeces.
b) Not keeping a dog on a lead;( i.e. cemeteries, within 100m of commons car parks and also on the areas of heathland if protected ground nesting birds are found to be breeding.)
c) Not putting, and keeping a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer;
d) Permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded.(i.e.play areas, fenced sports areas, flower beds in parks, conservation areas in parks and ponds/lakes)
e) Taking more than a specified number of dogs onto land.(i.e.up to and including three dogs per handler)
The Dog Control Orders would apply to land open to the public in Elmbridge. For further information on the areas affected by this proposal please visit our Dog Control Order areas page.
The consultation period will take place from 1 October 2009 to 30 November 2009.
Please fill in the on line questionnaire at www.elmbridge.gov.uk/snap/dogcontrol.htm .
Alternatively, call 01372 474579 to ask for a postal questionnaire to be sent to you. You can also text 'elm dog' to 07786 205155 followed by your name and address to receive a questionnaire.
Maps showing the areas affected by the above Orders can be found online (Dog Control Order areas page) and will be available to view at Elmbridge Borough Council, Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9SD, at local libraries in the borough and at the Elmbridge Xcel Leisure Centre, Waterside Drive, Walton on Thames, KT12 2JG.
All representations/queries should be addressed to Dog Consultation, Elmbridge Borough Council, Leisure and Cultural Services, Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9SD
5th Nov 2009
