Dog ban wanted at play areas and cemeteries

8:00am Thursday 22nd May 2008

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DOGS could be banned from play areas and cemeteries in Bury because of irresponsible owners.

The council is asking the government for permission to bring in the law, with fines for people who break it.

Tom Buggie, facilities manager for parks, countryside, and bereavement services, said the council received more than 100 complaints every year about dog fouling in these areas.

"Some people have knelt at the side of the grave and have noticed paw prints on the soil, and then noticed that they have knelt on something a little less pleasant than grass," he said.

"Certain dog owners take their animals into fenced children's play areas and let the dog off its lead to run around."

A 2004 survey found that dog fouling was the greatest issue of concern in parks and open spaces. There are 400 dog bins on 180 sites, and the cost of emptying the bins is £57,000 a year, although the cost of cleaning up dog waste on the ground cannot be quantified.

Mr Buggie said: "Dogs, other than guide or enabling dogs, have no place in cemeteries or children's play areas. The rights of the bereaved in cemeteries and children in designated places for play take precedence over those who allow their dogs to foul these areas, and who do not have the common courtesy to clear up after their animals.

"We intend to undertake necessary consultations with relevant parties, and present our case to DEFRA for the creation of dog control orders to effectively ban dogs from these specified areas. Enforcement will be by way of fixed penalty notices, maximum fine to be determined."

Residents will be asked for their views at the Local Area Partnership meetings.