Dog owners ordered to come clean or face tougher fines

Durham City Council plans to introduce new bylaws to ban dogs from certain parts of the city and surrounding area and ensure that they are kept on a lead in others.

The council has about 200 bins for dog waste and provides free pooper scoopers, but some owners are still turning a blind eye to the problem and not cleaning up after their pets.

Clare Greenlay, the council's assistant solicitor, said: "There is a bylaw that all dog owners must clear up after their dog, but it is almost impossible to enforce.

"It has been put forward by various council members that there are areas, such as children's play areas, where it would be appropriate to ban dogs.

"Recently, there have also been complaints about owners allowing their dogs to run wild on some of the estates, which could be dealt with by introducing lead areas."

The council has already asked parish councils for their views and is currently consulting residents about the proposals, which are being advertised throughout the city.

Mrs Greenlay said: "People want to make sure their children are playing in a safe, clean environment but, at the same time, dog owners want to be able to take their pets out for walks in as many places as possible.

"We need to see what the general public thinks and make sure we get the balance right."

The proposed ban will apply mainly to playing areas in the villages surrounding Durham, but will also affect some cemeteries and footpaths.

It is also being proposed that dog owners keep their pets on leads in some housing areas.

If the bylaws are approved, dog owners who fail to clear up after their dogs could face a fixed penalty of £25, or prosecution in the magistrates' court where the fine could be as high as £1,000.

Anyone who wishes to comment about the proposals should send their comments to Mrs Greenlay, assistant solicitor, Chief Executive's Department, Durham City Council, 4 Saddler Street, Durham, DH1 3NZ.

The closing date for comments is September 14