New dog rules for Bristol residents

Bristol City Council (BCC) had put forward proposals to introduce four new Dog Control Orders as their deadline of 23rd of March 2007 approaches.

The proposals call for it to be an offence to allow a dog off its lead in specified areas of the city.

According to the BCC proposal, following will be classed as an offence:

1. Not cleaning up the area after your dog has fouled there,

2. Not to keep a dog on a lead when asked by an authorised officer,

3. To take the dog into a dog exclusion area.

Bristol residents and visitors are unsure of the areas where the dogs will be legally required to be kept on leads and where they are not.

However, a scheme launched by Kennel Club, called KC Dog, helps to protect the rights and freedom of dog owners. The club has urged Bristol residents who are unclear of the new rules to contact Richard Bevan at BCC, or you can phone him on 01179776004.

Kennel Club Secretary, Caroline Kisko said, "KC Dog is an information network whose members benefit from current 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 network by acting as ours eyes and ears . Defra and Animal Welfare Minister Ben Bradshaw MP have given their full support to the scheme."

The Kennel Club warns that not obeying these orders could result in a clamp down on dog owners that in turn could affect their rights and freedom.