Dog Control Orders

Tamworth Borough Council is conducting a consultation to inform the potential introduction of new Dog Control Orders across the Borough using legislation that comes under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.


This will help us consider if the areas included are valid and to amend if necessary.

We absolutely recognise that the vast majority of the dog owners are responsible and caring, however feedback from residents has consistently raised the issue of dog fouling and the behaviour of dogs by the irresponsible minority. Requests for service to deal with dogs and dog fouling are a consistent high volume area of demand.

The introduction of dog control orders seek to:
• Balance the needs of those in charge of dogs against the interests of those affected by dogs,  bearing in mind the need for people, in particular children to have access to dog free areas  and areas where dogs are kept under strict control. 
• Promote the Council's approach for creating a cleaner and sustainable environment. 
• Reduce the potential health implications associated with dog faeces. 
• Promote responsible dog ownership 
• Reduce complaints for dog faeces.
• Allow the public and especially children access to dog free or dog controlled areas intended for recreational purposes.
• Reduce and tackle issues relating to dogs running loose and causing nuisance to others
• Improve health and well-being through access to dog free areas and areas where  dogs are kept under strict control
• Ensures that the Council’s legislative powers are fully up to date with current environmental legislation

What are Dog Control Orders?

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 allows Councils to consolidate old byelaws and existing legislation with current legislation which enables a more appropriate method for the control of all major dog  issues  by way of fixed penalty notices, rather than expensive and often time-consuming prosecutions.

This provides a clear and visible immediate action for the public when an offence is witnessed and fully compliant with the Council’s existing Environmental Crime Enforcement Policy.

By adopting powers under Section 55 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, all the above dog control offences can be controlled by Dog Control Orders and will provide a more structured, understandable, and coherent approach to dealing with dog nuisance issues across the Borough.

What will happen?

It is proposed the Council adopt the following orders:

• fouling of land by dogs and removal of dog faeces (“the dog fouling order”);
• the keeping of dogs on leads (the “dogs on lead order”);
• not putting, and keeping, a dog on the lead when directed to so by an
• authorised officer (“the keeping a dog under control when directed to do so order”) and;
• the exclusion of dogs from land (“the exclusion of dogs order”);

The “dog fouling order” is broadly similar to the current provisions for dog fouling, however the new proposal will include all land open to the air, where the current provisions have certain land exemptions e.g. common land and land used for agriculture. Dog fouling offences are not applicable to certain working dogs, guide dogs and designated assistance dogs.

The “keeping of dogs on leads order” on any land is designed to keep dogs under closer control in urban areas and to discourage persons allowing dogs to stray and foul in specific locations. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is already an offence for a person to cause or permit a dog to be on a public footway or grass verge adjacent to a road without its being on a lead.

The “keeping of dogs under control when directed to do so order” is designed for those circumstances when a dog is considered to be out of control or causing concern and an instruction by an authorised officer will help to rectify the situation.

The “exclusion of dogs order” is designed to create dog free areas that can be enforced, specifically to combat the problem of dog fouling within play areas.

Which areas are being considered for dog control?

Dog Fouling – the whole of the Borough of Tamworth
Exclusion of dogs – all designated play areas with equipment and multi use games area
Keeping of dogs on lead – cemeteries, all public footways or grass verges adjacent to a road or highway and Anker Valley Sports Pitches
Keeping of dogs under control when directed – the whole of the Borough of Tamworth

The full list and proposed mapped areas are shown to the right of the page for download

Comments and thoughts from members of the public are sought.  Responses can be made at http://www.snapsurveys.com/swh/surveylogin.asp?k=132223586082
 or via email to environmentalmanagement@tamworth.gov.uk   Please put Dog Control as the subject header or in writing to Mrs J Sands, Neighbourhood Services Manager at Tamworth Borough Council.

Deadline for responses is Midnight on 28 February 2012