Northampton Dog Control Orders Local Dog Owners Alerted
KC Dog, the Kennel Club scheme to help all dog owners protect their rights and freedoms, was recently alerted to Northampton Borough Council’s plan to bring in dog control orders.
Local authorities have had increased powers over dog owners all over the UK since the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act came into force in April 2006.
The implications of dog control orders for dog owners in Northampton include being made to keep their dogs on leads, excluding dogs from designated areas, and restricting the number of dogs that can be walked by one person at a time.
The council is currently running an obligatory consultation period, giving the public the opportunity to voice their opinions before the orders are put in place.
The consultation runs until the 3rd May and more details can be found on the council’s website:
http://www.northampton.gov.uk/site/scripts/news_article.php?newsID=504.
Local dog owners are encouraged to get in touch with the council now by emailing ehealth@northampton.gov.uk to have their say.
KC Dog advises members on how to respond to these consultations. The scheme provides a central point, with a useful, up-to-date web page www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/295 which informs dog owners and increases awareness of local dog control orders being proposed and critically, the consultation periods.
Dog control orders may be used to clamp down on dog owners, and can adversely affect their rights and freedoms. Prior to being able to enforce dog control orders, local authorities must consult members of the public, giving a period of consultation. However, this only stipulates that an advert must be placed in the local paper, which means a lot of people will be unaware of the proposals.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said; “KC Dog is an information network whose members benefit from up to date news on dog control orders, and receive guidance from the Kennel Club. All dog owners are urged to join KC Dog, and be a part of this reciprocal network by acting as our eyes and ears. Defra and Animal Welfare Minister Ben Bradshaw MP have given their full support to the scheme.”
On joining KC Dog, owners receive a welcome pack which includes a number of guideline templates to help get started and influence public policy. To join, or for further information, please contact Laura Vallance on laura.vallance@the-kennel-club.org.uk / 020 7518 1020.
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