Derbyshire resident fumes over new ‘dogs on leads’ rule

Steve Forest said the new rule, which was enforced by Bolsover District Council, is "against the UK law" and an "infringement of human rights".

He said: "It is against the UK law, the UK law exists where you are allowed a dog off a lead as long as the dog is under control.

"Bolsover council now says dogs must be on a lead, which is contradictory to the UK law and there's many like myself who don't put dogs on a lead."

The district council, on October 30, announced that dog owners across Bolsover District will have to adhere to new rules as they have introduced a Dog Management Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

The new, tough dog rules will exclude dogs from entering play areas and ensure keep their pets on a lead on pavements and public roads.

The order, which came into force on October 26, includes the following requirements for owners:

- Remove your dogs' poo immediately from all public places across the whole district.

- Keep dogs out of all children's play areas, multi-use games areas and gym equipment zones (apart from owners with assisted dogs).

- Keep your dogs on a lead on a public road and pavement, pedestrianised areas, churchyards and cemeteries at all times.

- No more than six dogs under your control at any one time

- You must, whilst you are in charge of a dog, carry appropriate bags or receptacle to remove their dog poo.

Mr Steve, who owns two dogs himself, said the council did not consult the public about the new rules.

"They (the public) don't know about the new rules. The Bolsover council haven't asked the dog owners. They only asked the police, the local council and the vets.

"The problem is, the Bolsover council is not reaching the dog owners, not reaching the public. Many people don't realise this new rule...they kept it really quiet," he said.

The district council's decision came after a four-week consultation exercise in 2019.

According to their findings, 74% of people said that dog fouling was a very or fairly big problem and 76% wanted to prevent dogs from entering children's play areas within parks and open spaces and designated sports grounds.

Those not adhering to the Order will be subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100. Failure to pay will lead to prosecution and being liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000.

Though there is no blanket law requiring dogs to be leashed at all times, local councils have by-laws to show the areas where leashing is required such as in public parks by enforcing PSPO.

Cabinet Member for Environmental Health, Councillor Deborah Watson said: “We will be patrolling the District and we will take action against those that flout it. We recognise that the majority of dog owners are responsible and that it is the minority who cause the problems, so that is why we are introducing this Order.

“You four-legged companion is your responsibility, so please take this responsibility seriously so we can protect our shared environment, such as play areas, and help us create clean, safe places to live and enjoy.”