Crime, News

Rushcliffe council introduce stricter rules for dog owners

By Latifa Yedroudj, Junior Local Democracy Reporter

---

New rules for dog owners will now be enforced in Rushcliffe – including a legal limit how many dogs someone can walk at one time.

The borough council will extend a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), a legal tool, to tackle pet-related antisocial behaviour.

The measure was discussed at a meeting of the Conservative-led council’s cabinet on Tuesday (May 13).

Under the new rules, dog owners must only walk a maximum of six dogs at any time – this is limited to four dogs in specific areas.

Cllr Carys Thomas raised concerns over the safety of residents and dog attacks on local wildlife.

She questioned why the limit is set to six dogs per walker – rather than four across all areas of the borough.

Cllr Thomas (Ind) said: “The addition of the limit of the number of dogs that can be walked at a time is welcome, it is astonishing that the limit is set at 6 dogs.

“This is a huge number to keep under control, the RSPCA recommends the limit of four.

“It’s not just a question of fouling as the report suggests – it’s also about safety.

“There have been incidents in our ward of dogs attacking people and other dogs.

“Plus there are recorded incidents of dogs attacking swans and destroying bird nests.

“Limits to four dogs would be more sensible, perhaps with the licensing process to only allow up to six in special cases as is the case elsewhere.

“I note that three areas in West Bridgford have been given a limit of four dogs rather than six – what criteria and consultation processes were used to ensure that all sites would benefit from the limit were included in the order?”

However, Cllr Rob Inglis (Con) said it is the responsibility of dog owners to assess their dogs, and make reasonable adjustments.

He also said a limit of six dogs per walker is consistent with what is being implemented in other local authorities.

Cllr Inglis (Con) said: “The figure of six is consistent with other local authorities – and it is also referenced as a maximum figure as a statutory guidance at dog day care establishments.

“Yes, the RSPCA suggests the limit of four. But that’s only in relation to commercial dog walkers in their leaflet.

“That same leaflet also recommends that it is the responsibility of the walker to assess the qualities and suitability of each dog that is included in a walking pack.”

Cllr Thomas (Ind) also raised questions on designated leash zones in Rushcliffe, and why these rules are not enforced across the borough.

Raising concerns over the safety of residents, she added: “Dogs off lead are a particular concern especially when multiple dogs are involved and they act like a pack.

“We have residents who are no longer walking at the park because of the terror they experience when dogs run up to them.

“Why is there only one ‘dogs on lead’ area?”

Cllr Inglis (Con) replied : “We’ve had no attacks as far as I’m aware in the borough, and I’m hoping this PSPO will address that issue with a limited number of dogs [that dog walkers can walk].”

Under the new rules, dog owners must only walk a maximum of six dogs at any point of time – this is limited to four dogs in specific areas.

Council officers can also now instruct a person to leash their dog in any area – not just designated leash zones.

The order will apply to more locations as well, including certain new developments.

There will be fines – called Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) – for dog fouling as well as all of the above.

A previous PSPO, which is set to expire on July 7, will be extended on July 8 for the next three years once approved.

The cabinet approved the recommendations of the PSPO with a unanimous vote.