CRACKDOWN ON DOG OWNERS

NEW RULES MEANS PETS MUST BE KEPT ON LEADS IN MORE PLACES IN THE BOROUGH

NEW rules being introduced today means dogs must be kept on a lead in more places than ever across Nuneaton and Bedworth.

New ‘dog control public space protection orders’ specify a range of places where dogs must be kept on leads within the borough.

These are Oaston Road Cemetery, Bucks Hill Cemetery and Attleborough Cemetery in Nuneaton, Coventry Road Cemetery and Marston Lane Cemetery in Bedworth.

Dogs also must be kept on leads on all public roads, pavements, footways, and pedestrianised roads in the borough.

Owners also face a fine if their dog is off the lead on sports grounds, fields and pitches when they are being used for authorised sporting activities - but they can run free at other times.

Dogs are also now completely excluded from designated children’s play areas, multi-use game areas, skate parks, BMX tracks or Green Gyms, which have signs up to say it is a ‘dog exclusion zone’.

They are also banned from the Heart of England Crematorium in Eastboro Way in Nuneaton.

The new order also requires owners to pick up their dogs’ mess.

Owners who break the rules will be hit with a fine of £100, which will be reduced to £80 if it is paid within the first 10 days.

If they do not pay the fixed penalty fine they could face prosecution resulting in a criminal record, a fine of up to £1,000 and they’ll also have to cover the council’s legal costs.

The council’s Animal Warden Team will be working with enforcement partner, NSL, which already fines litter bugs, to enforce the order.

Cllr Barry Longden, cabinet member with responsibility for environmental health, said: “The vast majority of dog owners are considerate and responsible, not only for their pet’s well-being but also for the impact on other residents and visitors to the borough.

“However, in order to address complaints relating to a minority of inconsiderate owners, it has been necessary to introduce a new order with stronger powers.

“I welcome the order as it gives the council more clout to deal with this type of anti-social behaviour.”

For more information, go to www.nuneatonandbedworth.gov. uk