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Fines for dog owners ‘part of crime battle’
‘Out-of-control’ pets targeted, says official behind plan
NEW laws to penalise “irresponsible” dog owners with £1,000 fines are a vital part of the fight against crime, not a campaign against pet lovers, Town Hall environment chiefs insisted this week.
As the Kennel Club threw its weight behind protests at Town Hall plans to introduce dog control orders, the architect of the plans said they targeted a minority of dogs which were “out of control”.
Under the orders, owners walking dogs off the lead outside official “dog exercise areas” or walking more than four dogs at a time face fines.
Richard Bradbury, from the council’s street environment services, said: “It has been quoted to me that we’re trying to criminalise dog ownership, but that’s precisely what we’re not trying to do. It is not about coming down hard on responsible dog owners. If we don’t adopt any powers then a minority of dog owners who are a nuisance to their neighbours will not be penalised.”
In response to claims that the measures are “vindictive” and “an audacious abuse of power”, Mr Bradbury pointed to the problems caused by “latch-key dogs”, which are let out unattended to foul public areas then return home, and professional dog-walkers, who exercise large numbers of animals on Hampstead Heath.
He said the aim was to cut “environmental crime” and improve residents’ quality of life. “Environmental crime can tip over into other types of crime,” he added.
An enforcement team, comprising Hampstead Heath police, parks officials, street environment officials and police community support officers will be set up if the orders are introduced following the council’s consultation, which ends on March 15.
Dog owners caught letting their animals into “dog-exclusion zones”, which include shrubbery, play areas and lakes and ponds, or who fail to pick up dog excrement will face an £80 on-the-spot fine or, if taken in front of a magistrate, a fine of up to £1,000.
The City of London said last week it was considering acting as agent to Camden Council under the scheme, which would extend its jurisdiction to Hampstead Heath. Mr Bradbury said the Royal Parks, in charge of Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill, were not participating.
The Kennel Club, the dog-owners’ association which runs the pedigree show Crufts, has said that the freedom of Camden dog owners is “in jeopardy” under the proposals.
A spokeswoman added: “What we don’t want is a lot of rules restricting dog owners’ rights.” Limiting the number of dogs a person can walk to four was contrary to government guidelines, which recommend six, she said.
Ceridwen Roberts, from the Friends of Waterlow Park, in Highgate, said: “It is taking it too far to ban dogs from running free in all spaces. I don’t think the consultation has been handled well. People are only finding out about it now, and there is very little time in which to respond.”
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