Dog owners on a tight leash?

OLDHAM Council will decide on Wednesday whether or not to tighten up their rules governing dogs on leads in open spaces.

Dog Control Orders were controversially introduced in June, 2009, making it a requirement for pets to be kept on leads in cemeteries and memorial gardens.

After public consultation, the council will look into restricting the number of dogs a person can take into a park at any one time and passing orders to ban dogs from all play areas in parks.

The rules could also see an order to be kept on a lead in seven of the borough’s parks. In 2009/10 the council received 1,290 requests for action over dog fouling.

Councillor Rod Blyth, cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said that the issue was one which is regularly brought up at community meetings.

“We have listened to members of the public and their views on the additional proposals. Council members are now being asked to weigh up carefully which additional orders should be implemented.

“A balance must be struck between the interests of those in charge of dogs and the interests of those affected by the activities of dogs.”