Protection order against dogs renewed

Councillors have approved a proposal to renew an important Public Spaces Protection Order for specific areas of the district.

Under the order, dogs are required to be kept on a lead in cemeteries, graveyards, churchyards and burial grounds, or areas signed as “dog on a lead.” The order also covers the car parks and play/picnic area at Fosse Meadows Country Park in Sharnford.

The requirement for dogs to be on a lead in specific areas of Fosse Meadows is in response to complaints received by the Council, including those of dogs jumping out of cars. Keeping a dog on a lead in Fosse Meadows car park reduces the risk of an incident between a dog and a moving vehicle.

Owners who fail to keep their dogs on a lead in these areas can be given a fixed penalty notice of £100.

First introduced in 2016, the order was renewed in November 2019, and the Council is now extending this from November 2022 for another three years. A consultation on the proposed extension of the order was held throughout August.

Councillor Les Phillimore, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community and Environmental Services, said: “We are pleased that this important order has been extended for another three years.

“We know that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and enjoy walking their pets in our open spaces, especially our country park in Fosse Meadows. However, we have received complaints in the past about off-lead dogs and the negative impact this can have on play/picnic areas including the car park.

“This order will help to protect open spaces such as cemeteries and graveyards, which hold enormous importance for people. It will also help to protect dogs from facing potentially dangerous situations in car parks.”

Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community and Environmental Services, Councillor Les Phillimore