Council may introduce new powers to curb dog fouling

The report recommends consultation on the plan which would see new orders being introduced to control dog fouling, areas in which dogs should be on a lead or excluded altogether, as well as some control over the maximum number of dogs walked by any one person.

It acknowledges the majority of dog owners are responsible, pick up after their dogs, and keep their dogs under proper control in public areas.

However, the report points out that the council receives around seven hundred complaints a year about dog fouling and more than 300 complaints about dangerous dogs out of control.

The report will be considered by members of Calderdale Council’s cabinet committee when it meets on Monday.

The new powers are designed to bring dog control in the borough up to date, to provide clarity for members of the public and enforcement officers on patrol.

Coun Barry Collins, the council’s portfolio holder for the economy and environment said: “The balance between public protection and legitimate enjoyment of parks and open spaces is always a delicate one and we are keen to hear the public’s views on the proposals before making the new orders.”

The report highlights particularly the danger to children and sports players from problems with dog mess and the possibility of eye damage from infection, in the worst cases.

Under the new regulations, dogs would have to be on a lead in areas such as cemeteries, allotments and tow paths, whilst dogs would be banned altogether from children’s playgrounds, sports pitches and school playing fields.

A report to be considered by councillors warns: “There is a clear need to reasonably balance the requirements of responsible dog ownership and dog owner’s access to land against the requirements of other users of the land to not be affected by the dog’s or the owner’s activities.”

If the proposals are given the thumbs-up when they meet next week, the proposals would then be debated during a period of public consultation.