New rules for Swindon dog owners

Dogs could be banned from entering certain places in Swindon or they have to stay on a lead and their owners will have to clean the litter after to pick up any mess.

Swindon Council is giving the public an opportunity to comment on the introduction of three new orders to keep dogs on leads, out of fenced areas and to force owners to clean up their litter.

Miranda Berry form Gorse Hill, Swindon, owns four Rottweillers. According to her sensible animal lovers would reject the orders.

She said, "I've got a feeling it is going to get to the point where you can't take your dogs anywhere."

"If you are a sensible dog owner then you already know the rules about picking up poo and most children's play areas have signs in them."

"But there are a lot of irresponsible people out there who let their dogs run riot. People like that give us all a bad name."

"If these orders are introduced we will be taking their punishment."

Councillor David Glaholm, from Penhill, has been campaigning for a revision of the rules to keep dogs on leads since the beginning of the year.

He said, "I have spoken to people on both sides, but my view is where children are playing dogs should be kept on leads."

"I'm not saying dogs should be tied up all the time, but I do think each park needs to be looked at individually."

"What I don't want is for a child or adult to be attacked by a dog, and then the owner to say it is totally out of character' and they have never done anything like this before."

The new order, Dogs On Leads, mean that animals are restrained on all public roads, footpaths and verges. They are restricted in most of the towns green spaces, including Queen's Park, Penhill Park, Town Gardens and a designated part of Lydiard Park.

However, Cabinet member for local environment - David Wren said, "We care about creating an environment where dog lovers and other members of the community can live in safety and harmony."

"We see this as a way in which everyone can share and enjoy our open spaces."

Swindon residents can take part by filling a questionnaire online at swindon.gov.uk or otherwise they can contact local libraries and council offices. People in Swindon have until July 6 to make their views clear. The results will be announced later in the year.