Dog Control Orders to be Brought in by Eastbourne Borough Council

 

The Council is committed to improving Eastbourne’s environment. Public notices have been printed in the local press and consultation has taken place.  The publication of the revised orders marks the final stage before they come into force on 14 April 2008.

 

The Council wants to encourage residents to look after their local environment and to be aware of actions that are an offence.  However if people ignore the advice and information given the orders allow further action to be taken.

 

The Orders, created under the provisions of the Clean Neighbourhoods & Environment Act 2005, cover four different offences which are:

 

 

The Control Orders replace the existing dog bye-laws, with all existing controls being maintained in the new Orders.  The additional provisions that have been made are as follows:

 

The area covered by the dog fouling law has been extended to include the Downland estate.  Further more dogs must now be kept on leads when walking in the cemetery at Ocklynge and the grounds of the Crematorium and Cemetery in Langney.

 

There is also a new Order which allows designated Council Officers to request that owners place and keep their dogs on a lead if instructed to do so.  This Order applies to all the areas not already covered by the Dogs on leads and Dog Ban Orders, and will only be used if it is felt that a dog is not being kept under proper control.  This does not mean that dogs must be kept on leads at all times in the areas covered by the order, only if asked to do so.

 

Any person who commits an offence under these Orders would be liable to prosecution or may be served with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75.  The Council would therefore like to use this opportunity to remind people to continue to walk their dogs in a responsible manner and ensure that the Control Orders are adhered to at all times.

 

The measures in the dog control orders were decided after a good response to the consultation on the issue, from residents and organisations like the Kennel Club.

 

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for Housing, Health and Community Services Councillor Margreat Bannister says, “We want our local environment to be somewhere everyone, including dog owners and their pets, can enjoy. The vast majority of dog owners are responsible and have nothing to fear from these measures. However, anyone who allows their dog to foul the pavement, or create a nuisance, could be asked to pick up after it or bring them under control.  If they refuse to cooperate they could receive a fine. In order to further assist in improving the environment, the Council recently approved additional expenditure for up to 50 new dog bins, to be sited in areas where the greatest need is identified, over the next year.”