Consultation on stricter rules for dog walkers in city’s spaces
STRICTER RULES to control dogs and hand penalties to people smoking at play areas are being consulted on in a Yorkshire city.
Under the plans being considered for Leeds, owners would be required to carry a bag or have some other way to pick up their dog’s mess.
There could also be a review of the places where dogs need to be kept on their lead or kept out of, as well as a clarification on the number of dogs that professional walkers can take out.
The member responsible for environment and sustainability at Leeds City Council, Coun Lucinda Yeadon, said: “We have specific orders in Leeds to ensure we can balance the needs of dog owners and walkers against the interests of members of the public who are affected by them.
“We want parks in Leeds to be clean and accessible for all of our residents and we hope that through this consultation, we will be able to improve in these areas.
“Orders such as ensuring dog owners carry bags to clean up after their dogs mean that those enjoying our parks also play a part in being responsible for keeping them clean.
“However, the reason we are consulting on this is that we don’t want to impose such measures without letting people voice their opinion on the matter. I would urge people to take a look at the proposed changes and have their say as part of our public consultation.”
Views are also being sought on whether smoking should be banned in children’s play areas, with the aim of stopping youngsters being exposed to the habit.
Although there is currently a ban, there is no penalty for failing to comply with it.
Under current public space protection orders in Leeds, pet owners are required to pick up mess left by their animals, keep them on leads in designated areas and put them on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer. Areas where dogs can be excluded from currently include children’s playgrounds, some sports courts, remembrance and wildlife gardens, and many school grounds.
Breaching the orders is a criminal offence and could currently result in a £75 fixed penalty.
Failure to pay could lead to court and a maximum fine of £1,000.
It is proposed the fixed penalty will increase to £100. The consultation will run until the Friday, December 15.
Responses to the consultation can be made at www.snapsurveys. com/wh/s.asp?k=150712363857.