Ards and North Down says 'no' to four dog walking limit
The people of Ards and North Down have said “no” to a proposal by the local council for a four-dog limit for canine owners and walkers.
A public consultation was undertaken between June 1 and July 5 this year to get views on a proposal after a Green party motion to introduce a maximum limit of four dogs per person when walking dogs in public spaces.
There were 465 replies, and the consultation cost the council around £2,000.
A total of 69 percent of respondents either opposed or strongly opposed the proposed four dog limit, while 29 percent supported or strongly supported it. Two percent neither opposed nor supported.
A heavy majority of the respondents, at 85 percent, said they walk dogs within the borough, with 78 percent walking one or two dogs at any one time. Seven percent reported walking five or more dogs simultaneously.
A report on the response was presented by council officers at the council’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee.
The report states: “Those opposed to the proposal generally questioned whether a numerical limit would effectively address the issues identified.
Common concerns included the potential impact on professional dog walking businesses, a perceived lack of evidence demonstrating a significant problem, and a view that existing dog control measures and enforcement should be prioritised.
“Many respondents stated that irresponsible ownership, dogs being off-lead, and dog fouling were more significant concerns than the number of dogs being walked.”
It adds: “It should be noted that the council has not received any complaints to date regarding an individual walking excessive numbers of dogs, or more generally the actions or practices of professional dog walkers.
“Key arguments in support of the proposal centred on concerns regarding public safety, dog control, dog fouling, impacts on wildlife, and the difficulties associated with managing larger groups of dogs in shared public spaces.
“Respondents supporting the proposal frequently highlighted experiences involving uncontrolled dogs, intimidation of other users of parks and beaches, and concerns about interactions with children, cyclists and other dog owners.”
When asked whether an alternative limit would be more appropriate, 49 percent agreed. Among those who provided an alternative figure, six dogs was the most frequently selected option, and they referenced industry practice and insurance arrangements for professional dog walkers, which commonly permit up to six dogs.
Council officers wrote: “On the basis of the consultation responses, and taking account of the absence of complaints received to date regarding excessive numbers of dogs being walked, the evidence available at this stage does not indicate a clear need for a borough-wide numerical restriction.
They recommended that the council agree not to proceed with the creation of a Dog Control Order restricting the number of dogs. Elected representatives at the committee followed the recommendation.
Many local authorities across the UK, including Belfast City Council, have introduced limits on the number of dogs that may be walked at one time.
If a person is caught in control of more than four dogs at one time in Belfast, they can receive a £80 fixed penalty notice.
Green Party Councillor Barry McKee, who proposed the motion for the four dog limit, said at the council committee meeting: “It is clear we have the steer of public opinion on this, and we got a lot of constructive feedback as a result.”
He said a clear education campaign by the council on dogs and public safety was the way forward and he thanked everyone involved who responded to the consultation.