New rules set to keep dogs on the lead
By North Devon Journal | Thursday, October 11, 2012, 07:30
TOUGH new rules which would mean dogs will have to be kept on leads in many popular walking spots in Torridge, are a step closer to being imposed.
The new rules were discussed at a special Community and Resources Committee meeting at Torridge District Council on Tuesday.
The meeting was held to consider controversial proposed new dog orders in Torridge.
The new rules could mean dog owners will be forced to keep their dogs on leads on Northam Burrows, Victoria Park and Westward Ho! Beach and Promenade, or face hefty fines.
At the end of the committee meeting the council decided to take the proposal to full council. This could mean at a future full council meeting councillors could vote to push the new rules into place.
At the meeting councillors discussed that the recommendations may mean people could find it difficult to exercise their dogs without a lead.
Mr Leather said: "Yes, grazers have rights, but so do the public. Dogs need to be able to run around. If dogs were on leads I think you could come up against a lot of problems."
After the meeting Councillor Roger Johnson said: "I think we have come a long way..
"The majority of dog owners are responsible."
Dogs which are exempt from these orders include dogs working in agriculture, police dogs and dogs helping people with disabilities.
Comments
don't get me started on cats.................
By snooze at 21:49 on 12/10/12
Reportreply to to Dings -
Shall we ban humans from this area too? At the end of a hot sunny day we take our dog to the beach for a walk. The beach is full of litter, drink cans, broken bottles, soiled nappies, discarded bbq's, etc.
By snooze at 21:47 on 12/10/12
ReportWhy hasn't anyone from the council suggested a dog park like they have in America. The dog owners are provided with a large, enclosed area to allow their dog free running. A warden is employed to ensure ALL owners are responsible for their dogs. It seems to me that the council just wants to alienate those of us who get out in all weathers to exercise our dogs. While they sit in their overheated offices doing, well decide for yourselves!!!
By maddogwoman at 22:07 on 11/10/12
ReportThe new rules could mean dog owners will be forced to keep their dogs on leads on Northam Burrows, Victoria Park and Westward Ho! Beach and Promenade, or face hefty fines.
Now this has been brought on by dog owners who are not responcible for there dogs actions. I went to Saunton Beach today and 20ft on the sand was this enormous pile just left fresh from a large dog. This sort or disrespect for others would stop visitor numbers and i'm all for long leads on open areas and short leads for the Tarka trail. Dogs are like kids and need to be looked after and by allowing the dogs to run free also allows the owners not to be responcible (ie using mobiles and ignoring where the dog goes). From Braunton to Bideford every area we can access is full of dog XXXXX somebody must see this..........?
I hope this is a success and other areas in north Devon follow. Rant over!!!
By Dings at 19:27 on 11/10/12
ReportPrepare for a fall in visitor numbers. Who woulfd keep their dog on a lead on the burrows.
By trickyp301 at 13:19 on 11/10/12
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