Wyre Asks YOU About Dogs

Comments are being sought on proposed new rules about the behaviour of dogs and their owners in public places.

Under new legislation, byelaws that historically determined where dogs had to be on leads or could be excluded are being replaced by new dog control orders.

Wyre Borough Council is proposing to apply these orders to various large public areas throughout the borough. They include:

- the number of dogs that a person may bring on to public land

- failing to remove dog faeces

- not keeping a dog on a lead

- not putting, and keeping, a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer

- allowing a dog on to land from which dogs are excluded

The locations where these could be introduced are now subject to a public consultation which started today, Monday 23 March. Residents have until 4 May to respond.

Land where orders can be introduced includes playgrounds, sports fields where organised sporting events take place on a regular basis, places where dogs could affect the enjoyment of others, for example park land used for picnics, or anywhere with a history of dogs spoiling the enjoyment of other users.

Full details of these proposed orders are available on the council website at www.wyrebc.gov.uk, at the Civic Centre in Poulton and in local libraries.

A period of consultation has already taken place with other landowners such as town and parish councils, private developers and housing associations.

Now the public can also give their feedback in a number of ways: online at www.wyrebc.gov.uk/find/dogcontrol, emailing dogcontrol@wyrebc.gov.uk, telephoning 01253 891000 or in writing to Dog Control Orders, Wyre Borough Council, Civic Centre, Poulton-le-Fylde, Lancs, FY6 7PU.

Councillor Vivien Taylor, Living Places Portfolio Holder for Wyre Borough Council, said: "As always we want to gauge the opinion of Wyre residents as they are the ones who will be directly affected by these orders.

"Dog Control Orders will make it much easier for the public to understand where dogs can and can't be exercised and what conditions will apply.

"They are not intended to discriminate against the vast majority of responsible dog owners. Instead they will allow us to take action against the few who have no regard for other people's enjoyment of our public areas."

Last Edited: 00/00/0000