New rules for dog owners and smokers being considered

West Northamptonshire Council will consider proposals following a consultation in the spring

Limiting the number of dogs you can walk and having to carry bags to pick up dog mess are just a couple of the new rules that could be brought in for dog owners in Brackley, and other parts of the former South Northants area.

Smoking in leisure settings such as children’s play areas and skateparks may also banned.

West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet is due to consider a number of proposals at a meeting next week.   If approved those breaching the rules could face a £100 fine.

The move is designed to encourage responsible dog ownership and to stop smoking in certain public open spaces.

Fines could also be issued for anyone failing to pick up their dog’s mess and dispose of it properly or allowing their dog to enter public places where dogs are excluded, such as play areas, schools and some leisure facilities.

A requirement to keep a dog on a lead in places such as cemeteries, car parks and outside schools on school days, or when asked to do so by an authorised officer, will also be discussed.

Other proposals include limiting the number of dogs that anyone can walk at one time to four.

The suggested new rules follow a six-week consultation in the spring.

Cllr David Smith, the Cabinet Member for community safety and engagement and regulatory services, said: “While the overwhelming majority of owners are caring and responsible, there are those who are not. We received more than 230 complaints about dog fouling and dog control issues last year alone, and we’re committed to and will tackle this problem.”

If agreed by Councillors, the Public Spaces Protection Orders would come into force for three years until September 2025.

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Published: 07/10/2022 11:39am by Banbury FM Newsteam

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