New dog control orders could soon be introduced in the Leighton area by Central Beds Council.
The authority has just launched a consultation on measures to cover a number of offences, including fouling, dogs on leads, areas where dogs are not allowed and people taking more than the maximum numbers of dogs onto these areas.
Councillor Amanda Dodwell said: “We know that the vast majority of dog owners are caring and considerate, but the few that aren’t have an enormous impact on others. One of the key areas we want to tackle is not cleaning up after your dog – not only is it very noticeable and unpleasant, it also has potential health implications. And those using our countryside sites and footpaths have told us that dog fouling is one of the biggest problems for them.”
“We want to strike a balance between the interests of those in charge of dogs and those affected by the activities of dogs, bearing in mind the need for people to have access to dog-free areas and the need for those in charge of dogs to have areas where they can exercise their dogs.”
You can have your say online at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/consultations up until July 28 or we requested a questionnaire by calling 0300 300 5639.
Any orders made will come into force in October 2014.
Signs will be erected to advise those in charge of dogs of the relevant restrictions in their locality. Enforcement would be carried out by authorised council officers, dog wardens, and countryside site managers and park rangers.