Parish council discussing new dog walking law (From Watford Observer)

Parish council considers 'dog control orders' Chorleywood House Estate and Chorleywood Common

2:10pm Wednesday 4th July 2012 in News By Adam Binnie, Senior Reporter

New laws to clamp down on dog owners who walk too many animals at one time, or fail to clean up after them could be brought to Chorleywood.

The introduction of "dog control orders" at Chorleywood House Estate and Chorleywood Common was discussed by the parish council last night.

The new rules, which would limit the number of dogs walked by one person to four, and force owners to clean up after them, would be enforced by fixed penalty notices.

In serious or persistent cases, dog owners could be prosecuted, and fined of up to £1,000.

Both the parish council and Three Rivers District Council have received a large number of complaints about professional dog walkers in charge of eight or more dogs at a time, who do not use leads, or clean up after them.

In last year's Green Flag report for the estate, a reference was made to the "excessive" amounts of dog mess found during the inspection.

Several different dog walking companies are known to visit the area two or three times a day.

Maria Larkin, from The Chorleywood Residents Association, said: "We have campaigned tirelessly for dog fouling on the common to be dealt with harshly by the parish council.

"Dog dirt is a health hazard, it can cause headaches, asthma, stomach upsets and can lead to permanent blindness.

"We welcome the efforts that are being made and will endeavour to keep the pressure on to ensure our children and adults are safe from such unsavoury behaviour"

Consultation will now take place with regards to instating the new rules, which should reduce the number of complaints by the end of March next year, when the pilot scheme can be reviewed for a possible roll out to other sites in Three Rivers.

The cost associated with the new rules will be about £1,000 for advertising, consultation, signage and the supply of fixed penalty notice books.

Kathy Hurst from Highfield Way has also been campaigning for a solution to the problem for more than a year.

She said "The council is quite keen on re-educating people but we've been doing that for years.

"Going after the dog walkers is fine but it also comes from individual women and men.

"Personally I think it's great, we just need to make sure the councils both act on the plans."