News Have your say on new dog control measures
New measures to encourage more dog owners to be responsible are being consulted on by Maidstone Borough Council, so don’t miss the opportunity to have your say.
A survey is now open and will run until 12 July asking people for their views on a range of new ‘Public Space Protection Orders’ to make dog owners keep their dogs under control.
The proposals, which will challenge irresponsible owners, are:
* Increase the fixed penalty for dog fouling.
* Expand existing dog control powers to include exclusion of dogs from all children’s play areas, whether or not they are fenced.
* Make it a legal requirement for a person in charge of a dog to comply with a request from an authorised officer to put a dog on a lead when the dog is causing danger or concern.
* Make it a requirement that dogs are kept on leads whilst in the grounds of Maidstone Cemetery, Sutton Road.
* Introduce a Fixed Penalty Notice for allowing dogs to stray
* Dogs will remain excluded from Vinters Park Crematorium unless written consent is granted by the council.
Failure to comply with these orders could result in Fixed Penalty Notices up to £100, or Prosecution, for irresponsible dog owners who fail to adhere to these measures.
Martyn Jeynes, Community Protection Manager at Maidstone Borough Council said:
“Maidstone is home to thousands of responsible dog owners who exercise their pets across the borough. However, not all dog owners are responsible and we believe that irresponsible dog ownership is not limited to whether an owner cleans up after their dog.“These new proposals will ensure officers have the appropriate powers to challenge irresponsible owners and protect our beautiful borough as a clean and safe place to live in.”
The survey should take around six minutes to complete. To take part please visit the consultation page on Maidstone.gov.uk website or click on the following link: https://wh.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=158747742146