Responsible dog owners will be penalised under new orders

East Dorset District Council is proposing to introduce three dog control orders.

Whilst the council welcomes responsible dog owners, it recognises there is a need for people, in particular children, to have access to areas that are dog-free; areas where dogs are kept under strict control and areas where owners must clear up after them.

Cllr Little, Lead Member for Health & Housing, said, "East Dorset has a wide variety of countryside areas for residents and visitors to explore and enjoy, and the council welcomes the responsible exercising of dogs there.

"However, there are some irresponsible dog walkers and the council is looking at ways it can best deal with this minority whilst not inconveniencing the responsible majority. This consultation is an opportunity for residents to influence how the council deals with the problems that dogs can sometimes cause.”

The consultation, which ends on 30 September will give residents an opportunity to influence how it deals with these problems.

East Dorset District Council is proposing:

•     The Fouling of Land by Dogs (East Dorset) Order 2009 - allowing it to take action
       against dog owners who do not clear up after their dog on open land.

•     The Dogs on Leads (East Dorset) Order 2009 - which will apply to Corfe Mullen
       recreation ground, Fryers Field in West Moors and King George V and parts of Ferndown
       Schools' playing fields.

•     The Dogs Exclusion (East Dorset) Order 2009 - covering all enclosed children's play
       areas, all marked sport pitches (on land which the dogs on leads order will apply) and parts
       of Ferndown Schools' playing fields.

Answers to the following guide questions would assist the council in responding to local needs. However, residents are invited to make any other comments or suggestions that they may have.

•     Do you agree with the need for dog control orders?
•     Do you agree with the proposed dog control orders? If not, what suggestions do you have for
       modifications?
•     Are there any other controls that you think should be applied?

"The suggested orders have been created after initial consultations with parish and town councils and are being used as a starting point only. This is why it is so important that residents have their say," adds Cllr Little.

Full details of the proposed orders are available to view at the council's Furzehill offices, during normal opening hours, or by visiting: www.dorsetforyou.com/dogorders/east

Let the council know your thoughts on any or all of the proposals by email to: dogorders@eastdorset.gov.uk or by letter to East Dorset District Council, Public Health Services, Council Offices, Furzehill, Wimborne, Dorset. BH21 4HN. To discuss the orders, please contact the council on 01202 886201.

All comments must be received in writing before 30 September 2009.