Chorley council approves control orders to tackle dog attacks (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Chorley council approves control orders to tackle dog attacks

1:14pm Wednesday 27th June 2012 in Chorley By Chris Gee, Reporter

New control orders to tackle the increasing problem of dog attacks will come into force in July.

The measures, which have just been approved by Chorley Council, will help to reduce the number of dogs not being kept under control in the borough.

It comes after a rise in the number of complaints, which has seen council officers dealing with an average of one report of aggressive dog behaviour every week.

The introduction of the dog control orders, which come into force on July 23, will meean.

Dogs must be on a lead in certain areas such as roads, publicly-maintained footpaths and areas where an organised activity is taking place, dogs will be excluded from play areas and officers will have powers to instruct dog walkers to put their pets on a lead if they are causing a nuisance.

Coun Terry Brown, who oversees animal welfare at Chorley Council, said: “The increase in dog attacks and the nuisance of dog fouling is something that the council is really keen to address and the new control orders will help us to do this.

“I must stress that these aren’t draconian orders and people will still be able to let their dogs off their leads to exercise them responsibly in our parks and open spaces.

“This aim of this is to promote responsible dog ownership so that pets are kept under control and don’t cause a nuisance to others.”

“The orders come into effect next month and a lot of it is common sense as, for example, there’s no need for dogs to be in a play area that is for children.”

Anyone in breach of the new orders will be subject to a £75 fixed penalty notice.