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.

Over the years, various Bye Laws have been made to control dogs, have been cumbersome and difficult to enforce and have no power of fixed penalty.

To address concerns, the Tamworth Borough Council have made a four Dog Control Orders under Section 55 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 which will be effective from 1st August 2012.

The Fouling of Land by Dogs (Tamworth Borough Council) Order 2012
The Dogs on Lead By Direction (Tamworth Borough Council) Order 2012
The Dogs on Lead at All Times (Tamworth Borough Council) Order 2012
The Dog Exclusion (Tamworth Borough Council) Order 2012

The adoption of these Dog Control Orders makes it easier for the authority to deal quickly and efficiently with the small minority of dog owners who behave irresponsibly, while at the same time encouraging a culture of responsible dog ownership.

Background

The initial consultation regarding proposals for the introduction of Dog Control Orders in Tamworth ended on 28 February 2012.  The Council received 257 responses.  The results of this consultation provided the following outcomes on the proposed orders:-

Fouling of Land by Dogs Order – the whole of the Borough;
The survey showed that 93% of the respondents were in favour of the introduction of the is order

To view designated land click here

Dog Exclusion Order – designated children’s’ play areas only
The survey showed that 83.8% of respondents were in favour of the introduction of this order

To view designated land please refer to Dog Exclusion Order Part 1 and Dog Exclusion Order part 2. 

Dogs On Lead at ALL times Order  - designated land Tamworth Borough Council cemeteries, pedestrian area of the town centre, top lawn Castle Grounds, all public footways or grass verges adjacent to a road in Tamworth (as defined by the RTA 1988) and Anker Valley Sports Pitches
The survey showed that 89.9% of respondents were in favour of the introduction of this order

To view designated land (dogs on lead order mapping.pdf)

Dogs on Lead by Request Order – the whole of the Borough
The survey showed that 89.8% or respondents were in favour of this order

To view designated land click here

Landowners and stakeholders had no major objections to the proposals, although the Kennel Club advised the need to allow dogs to roam free with children in parks and advised against a total banning of dogs from parks or open space or for dogs to be on the lead at all time.

In designating only formal play areas and specific locations where dogs must be on a lead has meant that Tamworth Borough Council continues to support responsible dog ownership in public spaces, but acknowledges the fact that dogs need to roam free under the control of their owners.

A further formal 28 day consultation ended on 30 June 2012 and the proposals were endorsed by Council on 11 July 2012.

Penalties

Witnessed breaches of any of the orders may result in the issue of a Fixed Penalty Notice of £80.

Penalties can be issued by authorised Council officers and Street Wardens

HOW CAN I REPORT IRRESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERS?

MUCKY PUP CLEAN IT UP HOTLINE – 01827 709427
Email muckypup@tamworth.gov.uk

Other breaches of Dog Control Orders – 01827 709709 
Email enquiries@tamworth.gov.uk

Lost, Found or Stray Dogs: contact our Contractor Dun-Roamin who operate our stray dog collection service on  07891 419325.

Further information is available - via Frequently asked questions