£1,000 fine if your dog is not on a lead
SOME PETS HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO ‘INTIMIDATE’ PARK USERS
DOG walkers in Nottingham will have to keep their pets on leads in most parks and recreation grounds or face fines.
It comes after the city council said “irresponsible dog owners” had been “allowing their dogs to intimidate citizens”.
In 2016 the Labour-run authority put in place Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOS) across Nottingham and they are due to expire.
Following consultation it is seeking to extend them for another three years.
Among areas in the city where dog walkers will have to keep their pets on a lead are the Forest Recreation Ground, Arboretum Park, Broxtowe Country Park, Vernon Park and Victoria Embankment.
The penalty for committing an offence under a PSPO is a fine of up to £1,000, although the opportunity to pay a fixed penalty notice may be offered instead, the council says.
People walking in the Forest Recreation Ground have shared their thoughts.
Nathan Lamb, 22, who doesn’t own a dog, said: “Most dogs tend to be not very threatening but I can understand how one bad experience with a dog can scare people.”
Similarly, Adele Smith, 40, who also doesn’t own a dog, says: “My kids can be quite scared of dogs, especially the bigger ones.
“It will definitely make it easier for me to get the kids out of the house and bring them to the park.”
But Will Thompson, 23, who owns a dog, added: “It’s a shame because my dog loves playing fetch, especially when there’s such a big green area like there is here. I think the council should trust owners to be responsible for their dogs and not let them intimidate people.”
The city council said: “There have been in the past significant problems caused by dogrelated antisocial behaviour, nuisance and disorder across the city. Evidence at the time showed that these issues impacted greatly on the quality of life for the residents, visitors and businesses alike.
“On May 17, 2016, the council’s executive board approved the making of four PSPOS in respect of dogs across its administrative area in order to address and control various problems associated with dogs in relation to nuisance and annoyance to the public across Nottingham. These problems were often caused by irresponsible dog owners allowing their dogs to intimidate citizens in Nottingham. “The dogs also posed a danger to citizens and traffic control and damage to play equipment, street furniture and the wildlife and trees. “Following the formal public consultation as approved by the portfolio holder for neighbourhoods, safety and inclusion, it is proposed that the dog control PSPOS are extended for a further three years, to expire on September 23, 2025.”
The move will be discussed by executive councillors on Tuesday.
There have been significant problems caused by dog-related anti-social behaviour, nuisance and disorder
Nottingham City Council