Dogs off lead response from goverment.

Who signed this petiton I had this email not long ago, if your'e intrested follow the link and please comment here. xx toni xx


You signed a petition asking the Prime Minister to "instruct DEFRA to amend
the rules governing the applications for dog control orders."

The Prime Minister's Office has responded to that petition and you can view
it here:

http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page14233.asp

Prime Minister's Office

Petition information - http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/Dogs-Off-Lead/

If you would like to opt out of receiving further mail on this or any other
petitions you signed, please email optout@petitions.pm.gov.uk

I signed this petition a while ago. here si the copy of the petition and the response. Not much content really, just explaining the procedures that councils have to follow....


Dogs-off-lead - epetition reply
11 January 2008
We received a petition asking:

"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to instruct DEFRA to amend the rules governing the applications for dog control orders."
Details of Petition:
"Instead to limit applications to specific areas within applying boroughs. We're asking this in order to prevent local council's Executive from introducing new laws that will prevent responsible owners allowing dogs off their leads in all the boroughs parks and open spaces.Whilst we recognise that dangerous dogs must be controlled at all times, the majority of dogs benefit from off-lead exercise, free interaction and association with other animals. In addition dog owners enjoy the benefit of exercise that would be lessened by walking dogs only on the lead. These laws are excessive and unnecessary. The majority of dog owners are responsible and should not be confused with irresponsible ones or vandals. Local councils should enforce current legislation designed to police irresponsible dog owners. No arguement is offered for control orders to prevent allowing dogs off lead on any of the boroughs streets, childrens play areas or housing estates, but park's and open spaces set aside for the enjoyment of all must include the facility for dog owners to exercise their dogs off lead and not restricted to inadequate in size or location exercise areas."

• Read the petition
• Petitions home page

Read the Government's response

The Government believes there is no need to amend the powers for introducing Dog Control Orders, which are available to local authorities under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.
Local authorities can introduce a Dog Control Order to deal with certain antisocial behaviour problems, which can sometimes arise from irresponsible dog ownership. For example, these Orders can require an owner to keep a dog on a lead, or to do so at the request of an authorised officer. Other provisions can address a failure to remove dog faeces, or the presence of dogs on land where they are normally excluded.
Any authority considering a Dog Control Order must be able to show that it is a necessary and proportionate response to problems caused by the activities of dogs and those in charge of them. Poorly made Orders would in any case be open to legal challenge.
Local authorities also need to balance the interests of those in charge of dogs against the interests of those affected by the activities of dogs. For example, people, and especially children, need access to dog-free areas and places where dogs are kept under strict control. At the same time, those in charge of dogs need access to areas where they can exercise their dogs without undue restrictions. Authorities have to take these interests into account and reach a balanced view.
Any local authority that wants to introduce a Dog Control Order has to publicly consult on its proposals by publishing a notice in a local newspaper. At the end of the consultation period, the authority has to consider any representations made before the Dog Control Order can take effect.
Further Information

As usual didn't say very much!
Becky