Leicestershire Parish Councils

Dog Ban on Pitches Removed (August 2008)

A letter dated 10 July 2008 from Blaby District Council was received at the last Plans & Environment Meeting. The Senior Dog Warden confirmed confirmed that the Dog Exclusion Order would be amended to remove the exculsion of dogs from marked sports areas.

Dogs Exclusion(Blaby)Order 2008 (Update 27/6/08)

Many representations were received from local residents concerned that the sports area restriction would effectively ban dogs from some open spaces. Also concerns over enforceability.

We understand that Blaby District Council now intend to proceed with

* An order effectively banning dogs from all enclosed children's play areas within the District (MARKED SPORTS AREAS WILL BE REMOVED FROM THIS ORDER)

* Dogs on lead by Direction Order to be adopted.

Timetable :-

September/October 2008 - New signage to be erected around the District
November/December 2008 - Publish new orders and commencement dates in local newspaper. Place copy orders around the District in relevant locations

Dog Control Orders considered at Plan & Enviornment Committee on 22nd May 2008

Over 20 members of the public attended the meeting to express their concerns in connection with the proposed orders. It was agreed later in the meeting that the Chairman would raise the issues at the next meeting of the Parish Councils Open Spaces Consutative Meeting due to be held at Blaby District Council Offices on 10th June 2008.

Proposed Dog Control Orders

Dog Control Orders
Summary
Blaby District Council is proposing to bring in new powers to fine dog owners who fail to control their pets properly in public, as part of legislation to encourage responsible dog ownership.

Dog Control Orders, which form part of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, would allow Authorised Officers of the Council to hand out Fixed Penalty Notices to dog owners who fail to clear up their pets faeces, allow them in restricted areas* or don't put them on a lead when they are instructed to do so.

They are designed to balance the interests of people affected by the actions of dogs, such as children who need access to playgrounds and parks away from dogs, with the interests of dog owners who need access to areas where they can exercise their pets without undue restrictions.

* RESTRICTED AREAS - A person in charge of a dog shall be guilty of an offence if at any time he/she takes the dog onto an enclsed childrens play area, marked out sports pitches etc.

Further information
Notice of Consultation
Dog Control Orders will replace the previous system on byelaws for the control of dogs and repeal both byelaws and designations under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.

Any representations on the proposed orders must be submitted in writing to the address below by 31st May 2008:

Blaby District Council
Council Offices
Desford Road
Narborough
Leicester
LE19 2EP

Alternatively representations can be emailed to environmental.health@blaby.gov.uk by 31st May 2008.