Dog Control Order signage
Signs will be erected on the majority of designated sites which are covered by the Orders. The Council will also erect signs where there is specific evidence to suggest that there are dog control issues in that area.
We will prioritise those areas based on our history of specific problems. For example, in relation to dog fouling, we will start by erecting signs on worse fouled sites first.
The Council only has to provide signs where practicable. The legislation and guidance recognises that it is not feasible to erect signs on every piece of land to which the Orders apply. The Dogs on Leads Order, Dogs on Leads by Direction Order and the Fouling of Land by Dogs Orders apply to a very high number of streets, car parks and public open spaces for example, and it would be unreasonable to expect the Council to erect a sign in every area.
On sites that are frequently used by dog walkers such as parks and recreation grounds, for example, large signs will be erected at conspicuous points. The signs list which Orders apply to the site, and include a map showing where the respective Orders apply. Initially, temporary signs mounted on a yellow board have been erected in every park and recreation ground prior to more permanent signs being erected. In other general areas such as on pavements adjacent roads, and children’s play areas (fenced and unfenced) for example, smaller permanent signs will be erected outlining which Orders apply.
Maps
Some areas on the online maps, or the maps on the signs in the park or recreation ground, are not coloured in green, orange, or red. This does not mean that no restrictions are in place in these areas.
The Council's priority is to identify the areas where dogs are excluded or must be kept on a lead in the parks, recreation grounds and around the play areas, as these areas are the ones where people can fall foul (sic) of the legislation!
The physical on-site maps for each park and recreation ground only map the site itself, and not the surrounding area. All roads and pavements which surround a park or recreation ground, for example, are areas where dogs must be kept on a lead.
Finally, please note that any outdoor area that is white on a map may likely be covered by the Fouling of Land by Dogs Order, or the Dogs on Leads by Direction Order.
New bins
The Council will be providing a limited number of new bins in some areas, particularly where there are currently no bins. We will also be reviewing bin provision in areas which are badly fouled.