CAMPAIGNERS say a clampdown on dogs in Oxford could end up penalising responsible owners.

The Kennel Club is now urging dog owners in the city to have their say on Town Hall plans aimed at tackling dog-related problems.

Oxford City Council is considering introducing dog control orders, including increasing the fine for dog fouling from £50 to £80.

The plans could also see a limit being placed on the number of dogs one person can be in charge of at one time, banning dogs from play areas and giving council staff the power to require dogs are put on a lead.

Kennel Club spokesman Bill Lambert said: “This would affect responsible dog owners if all the proposals were implemented.

“I am a dog owner and I always clean up after my dog, so it would not be fair to see me and thousands of other responsible dog owners penalised because of a small minority.”

He added: “No-one is saying dogs should be allowed in play areas. But there are better ways of preventing them from going in.

“Building fences would be better than closing off an entire park to dogs, leaving lots of people with nowhere else to go.”

Mr Lambert urged people to have their say in the council’s public consultation, which runs until February 10.

He said: “Too often, these public consultations pass people by unnoticed, but it is important that people voice their opinions.

“Regulations like this are often born out of ignorance. Something might seem like a good idea, but it will actually have far-reaching consequences.”

He added: “Parks should be accessible to both dog owners and non-dog owners and we should find a way to work together.”

Earlier this week, the Blue Cross charity told the Oxford Mail that the moves could be in breach of the Animal Welfare Act.

Nikki Smith, adoption centre business manager, said: “While we welcome measures to discourage antisocial 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.”

Louisa Dean, spokesman for Oxford City Council, said: “We have invited specific organisations to take part in our consultation for dog control orders, the Kennel Club, the Dogs Trust, RSPCA and Thames Valley Police, because we want to learn from their experiences before we implement our own scheme.

“We recognise that it is important to balance the needs of all members of the public including both dog owners and non-dog owners and we welcome all views to allow us to get it right.”

To have your say phone 01865 252057