Dog control rules could be made stricter to address public concern

SPECIAL controls on dogs taken outside in Rossendale streets, footpaths, parks, car parks, sports fields and other public spaces should be extended, councillors are being advised.

- BY ROBBIE MACDONALD

And the maximum number of dogs any person can exercise could be lowered from five to four.

Also enforcement workers could hand out on-the-spot fines to dog walkers who break the rules.

This has been a successful tactic in dealing with people who cause litter, councillors are being told.

But some dog walking businesses or groups have raised concerns about cutting the number of dogs allowed per person.

A reduction could hit their income and they say they have insurance for any incidents with dogs.

However, dog control issues are a key concern for Rossendale residents, according to a new report for councillors.

Local legal orders by Rossendale Council, called public space protection orders, have been in place in recent years.

These require dog walkers to limit the number of animals taken outside and to pick up dog dirt.