Dog control order may breach pets' rights, claim charity (From Oxford Mail)

Dog control order may breach pets' rights, claim charity

7:00am Tuesday 11th January 2011 in News

A CLAMPDOWN on dog behaviour in Oxford could breach pets’ rights, a leading charity has warned.

The Blue Cross said moves by Oxford City Council to introduce ‘dog control orders’ could breach the Animal Welfare Act. But the council said this puts the onus on owners, not the authority.

The measures would include increasing fines for dog mess from £50 to £80 and banning dogs from play areas in parks.

The orders could limit the number of dogs one person can walk in public and give council officers the power to demand dogs be put on a lead.

But the charity, which is based in Burford, has hit out at the proposals.

Adoption centre business manager Nikki Smith said: “While we welcome measures to discourage anti-social behaviour by dogs and their owners, it is important not to discourage the pleasures of dog ownership and its positive impact on people and society.

“The Animal Welfare Act states that animals should have the freedom to display natural behaviours and dogs need the time and space to run and play off the lead.

“Those who do not can sometimes suffer worse behavioural problems or difficulty controlling their weight.

“It is also important to remember that dog owners who regularly exercise their pets in green spaces have a positive effect on public safety in parks, making them less lonely and deserted.”

And she warned the orders could reduce dog ownership.

Instead, the council should look at providing more incentives to dog owners to behave responsibly, such as more dog bins in parks and free “poo bags”, she said. But John Tanner, the city councillor responsible for the orders, said the legal responsibility for the welfare of pets rests with owners and not the council.

He said the plans are not “anti dog”, adding: “What we want to do is crackdown on the irresponsible owners that give all dog owners a bad name.

“Our parks are for everyone to enjoy, including dog owners, but it is not a good idea to have dogs running around in play areas or digging up flower beds.”

The authority provided dog bins but it is owners’ responsibility to buy bags for disposal, Mr Tanner said.

The new powers are part of the council’s Cleaner, Greener Campaign that has already taken a tough stance on litter in the city.

The orders would be made under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act.

The consultation on the plans ends on February 10. Visit oxford.gov.uk or call 01865 252057.