Agenda item

To consider a progress report from the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods around the introduction of Dog Control Orders in Leeds.

The report of the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development reminded the Board of the recommendations arising from the Dog Fouling Enforcement review, particularly in relation to reviewing the options available to the Council to extend Dog Control Orders in Leeds.  An additional report was submitted by the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods which gave the Board an update on the adoption of Dog Control Orders.

The Chair welcomed the following to the meeting:

• Neil Evans, Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods
• Stacey Campbell, Service Manager (Health & Environmental Action Services)
• Helen Freeman, Chief Officer (Health & Environmental Action Services)

In response to Members comments and questions, the following issues were discussed:

• With regard to the re-introduction of Dog Licenses, Members asked whether this could be introduced locally. It was reported that it was believed that only national legislation could cover licensing of dogs. Subsequent clarification indicates that dog licences used to exist in the country under national legislation. This legislation was abolished in the late 1980s. Dog licences could not be re-introduced locally unless either national or Local Legislation provides for this. Leeds could apply for the reintroduction of a dog licence only by applying for a local act of parliament. Such an application would involve ensuring that parliamentary members would give sufficient support for the application and would need to be paid for by Leeds City Council. A recent consultation on compulsory microchipping for dogs and on dangerous dog control measures has been launched, in which the opportunity of resurrecting dog licences has not been raised.

• It was clarified that Dog Control Orders would now be implemented in a two stage process.  Phase 1 would include a walking Multiple Dogs Order, Dogs on Leads by Direction Order and Exclusion Orders.
• The following issues were discussed in relation to phase 1 of the project::

o  Areas where dogs must be kept on leads.

o  Multiple dog walking – as the proposed maximum was six dogs, which was in line with DEFRA guidance, this figure would be proposed as part of the consultation process.

o  Education land – It was unclear whether individual school governing committees needed to be consulted  on the use of exclusion orders.  Clarification was therefore being sought from Education Leeds on this.

o  Consultation with ‘Friends of’ groups and tenant groups.

o  ALMO land – that the ALMOs were represented on the Project Board through Strategic Landlord.

• Enforcement of orders – penalties would be in line with those for dog fouling.  The role of Wardens and other officers who could issue enforcement notices was discussed.  It was reported that Police would  intervene where there were anti social behaviour issues. However, PCSOs are not considered part of the resource for enforcing dog control orders.
• Phase 1 of the implementation of the orders would primarily include children’s play areas and council owned playing fields.
• How to highlight public concern about dog fouling – it was suggested that this could be done at Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings.
• Signage of areas where exclusion orders would be enforced.  It was reported that current signage, which was on lampposts, would be replaced where new lampposts were installed.
• Publicising enforcement action as a deterrent.

The Chair thanked those present for their attendance.  However, Neil Evans remained for the duration of the meeting.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.