LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM

Media Release: 10 October 2008
PR556

Consultation on proposed Dog Control Orders

Lewisham Council is asking residents for their views on new Dog Control Orders that it wants to introduce.

New legislation, under Section 55 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (2005), will give local authorities extra powers to take action and enforcement against dog owners who do not comply with new rules.

Lewisham Council wants anyone who owns a dog to behave in a responsible manner, and the vast majority of people do. There are, however, a small number of people who do sometimes act irresponsibly. These are the people the Council wishes to be able to take action against, if they break the proposed new regulations.

Councillor Susan Wise, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: ?As members of the public, we have the right to walk Lewisham's streets and in our parks and green spaces without being afraid of uncontrolled dogs, or of stepping in dog faeces.

?Lewisham Council wants to introduce new enforcement powers that will enable us to take action against people who act irresponsibly by not controlling their dogs, or by allowing them to foul our footpaths and green spaces."

It is hoped that the introduction of the Dog Control Order Act, which carries a ?75 on-the-spot fine, will enable the Council to deal with irresponsible dog owners far more effectively.

Proposed offences that will attract an on-the-spot fine are:

Failing to remove dog faeces
Not keeping a dog on a lead in designated areas (these will be sign-posted in public areas)
Not putting, and keeping, a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer
Permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded
Taking more than a specified number of dogs onto land.

The public consultation period runs from Monday 13 October to Friday 14 November. Members of the public who wish to comment can do so via an online survey found at http://www.lewisham.gov.uk. Residents can also call 020 8314 7171 or email dogcontrolorders@lewisham.gov.uk for more information.

A map of proposed designated areas, a copy of the Dog Control Orders Regulations and a questionnaire can all be viewed in the Town Hall in Catford as well as five libraries across the borough:

Lewisham
Catford Library (in Lawrence House)
Downham
Forest Hill
Wavelengths (in Deptford)

Councillor Wise added: ?It is important that we get these new Control Orders right and take on board peoples? views, so please tell us what you think by taking part in the survey.?