Dog owners must beware

5:26pm Thursday 14th February 2008

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IT was with great concern that I read about dog walking bans in local parks.

I am dismayed to find that my council is proposing to use dog control orders to introduce draconian restrictions on dogs and their owners. This is certainly not what was expected to happen when the act was drafted, and not what Parliament intended when it was approved.

Dog owners please note, local authorities are only obliged to embark on a consultation process that involves placing an advert in the local newspaper. This means that a lot of people will be unaware of the proposals.

However, prior to being able to enforce these dog control orders, local authorities must consult members of the public, as they can influence, or at the very least be aware, of what orders are being introduced in their area.

I am concerned that some local authorities may take a disproportionate response to the irresponsible behaviour of a minority of dog owners at the expense of the majority.

Dog owners act now. Contact your local councillors and your MP. I am in the process of preparing a petition for the dog walkers of Woolston Park and I urge you to do the same in your area, before it is too late.

JUNE CUTLER Longbarn