Dog control plan leads to campaign

THE Kennel Club is campaigning against dog control orders being proposed for Oldham, saying they may harm the health of animals.

Oldham Council is consulting on the orders which would exclude the animals from children’s play areas, make it compulsory for dogs to be on leads in seven parks and restrict owners to exercising no more than four dogs at once.

The Kennel Club, which represents breeders and owners, has set up a campaign, KC Dog, to help responsible dog owners protect their rights where councils are making the orders.

Caroline Kisko, the Kennel Club’s communications director, said: “Dog control orders are becoming more common as councils attempt to find ways to control dog fouling and rein in irresponsible owners.

“Unfortunately, this often means responsible dog owners are also penalised and have to suffer restrictions.

“KC Dog aims to alert people to dog control order consultations and thereby ensure the fairest outcome for all.

“The Kennel Club is concerned that the ‘dogs on leads’ order put forward by Oldham Council may adversely affect the health of Oldham’s dogs by limiting the areas available for essential off-lead exercise.

“Furthermore, the proposal to impose an upper limit of four dogs to one dog walker contravenes Defra guidelines which recommend six.

“We are therefore urging the council to consider positive alternatives to dog control orders, empowering dog walkers to act responsibly without the threat of restrictions.”

The council consultation closes on September 27.