City consultation over crackdown on dog-walking

Local authorities across the country are imposing new regulations and responsibilities on dog owners as part of legislation that allows councils to restrict the numbers of dogs people walk at any one time.

Dog Control Orders, which also cover fouling, could give local authorities other powers including banning dogs from certain areas and designating areas where owners must keep their dogs on a lead.

It could also mean any dog owner could be instructed to put their dog on a lead if it is deemed likely to cause annoyance or disturbance.

In Leeds, residents are being urged to take part in a city-wide consultation about Dog Control Orders, whether they own a dog or not.

Leeds City Council says its orders are being examined in two stages. Initially it is looking at excluding dogs from some council-managed children's play areas; proposing that only six dogs can be walked at a time, and giving officers powers to instruct owners to put their dog on a lead if it is likely to cause annoyance.

If orders are breached it would be a criminal offence which could result in a fine of up to 1,000.

City residents wishing to give their views should go to www.leeds.gov.uk/dogs and complete a questionnaire.