Parks want nice dogs!
Kirklees Council wants good dogs for its parks
ANGELIC alsatians, cherubic chihuahuas and polite poodles are being celebrated in preparation of new dog regulations coming into force.
Dog Control Orders will be in place across the district from October and, amongst other things, set out new rules for exercising dogs in public parks.
The orders have been developed in response to growing public concern.
Kirklees Council records show more than 4,200 complaints were made about dog fouling between 2009 and 2011, and a further 2,000 grievances were made about dangerous dogs. Dog Control Orders will deal with offences including failing to clean up dog mess and failing to keep dogs on a lead, as well as introducing dog exclusion areas.
A part of the orders, the council has also put together five steps to help dog owners be more responsible.
The steps include being aware of other people while walking dogs, raising a happy and sociable dog and keeping your dog on a lead in areas of wildlife and natural habitats.
The guide says dog owners should, above all, show respect for other people by acting reasonably without causing offence, or by allowing dogs to behave badly towards others.
Coun Peter McBride, cabinet member for place, said: “We want to make sure Kirklees is a safe and friendly place for everyone to enjoy, so we need to tackle the minority of dog owners who are not responsible with their pets.
“When the Dog Control Orders were first announced, people were worried it meant that they could no longer walk their dog in the park, which isn’t the case at all.
“From October, dogs are still welcome in parks but if they become a nuisance or upset other park users, authorised officers will ask for them to be put on a lead and there will be certain areas within parks from where they are banned, such as children’s play areas.”
For more details on the Dog Control Orders and to download the five-step code to being a responsible dog owner, visit www.kirklees.gov.uk/dogs.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Cleckheaton
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 5 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
