Date: 02/10/2007
Responding to concerns from local residents, the control of dogs in parks and open spaces was considered as part of the Public Realm Enforcement Strategy at the latest Environment Select Committee meeting.
Currently dogs are generally free to roam within the parks and open spaces. Their owners are required to keep adequate control of their dogs in these situations. It was agreed at the Committee meeting that no further bye laws be introduced and that sufficient enforcement activity was already in place.
A pilot scheme to support the work of High Peak Borough Council's Enforcement Officer would be introduced and in place by March 2008 - the scheme would allow Derbyshire Police Community Support Officers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for dog fouling and littering.
These additional resources would provide improved enforcement activity, reduce the incidents of dog fouling and encourage more responsible dog ownership throughout the High Peak.
Councillor John Haken, Executive Member for the Environment said: "We are aware of the issues that have been reported in the local press and want to ensure that the concerns of all our residents - including dog owners - are taken into consideration.
"We appreciate that the majority of dog owners in the High Peak are responsible citizens and regularly clean up their dog mess and on occasion, other people's dog mess. However, we want to ensure that the Council's enforcement activity is as effective as it could be and that is why we will be introducing extra measures over the coming months such as utilising the resources of our local community support officers.
He went on to say: "The Council wants to ensure that all our parks and open spaces are clean, green and safe places to be. If residents have concerns about incidents of dog fouling in High Peak's parks and open spaces, please contact the Call Centre so that it can be reported and investigated."