Maidstone council considers limiting how many dogs people can walk
Maidstone Borough Council is considering putting a limit on the number of dogs that can be walked by one person at a time, but has not suggested what that number should be.
The council already has a number of powers under its Public Spaces Protection Orders to make sure people in control of dogs keep the animal under control and clean up their mess, but is now thinking of expanding those powers.
New controls also being considered by the council include:
- making it a requirement for those in control of dogs to show they have the means of removing the faeces if challenged.
- keeping the measure that excludes all dogs from children’s play areas, whether they are fenced or open, and from tennis courts.
- enlarging the area where dogs have to be kept on a lead to cover the whole of Maidstone town centre.
- keeping powers to require the person in charge of a dog to comply with a request from an authorised officer to put a dog on a lead when it is causing danger or concern and to give their name and address to an authorised officer when requested to do so.
A failure to comply with any of the measures can result in a £100 fixed penalty notice.
Councillor Claudine Russell, Cabinet Member for Communities, Leisure and Arts, said: “These new proposals will ensure officers have the appropriate powers to challenge irresponsible owners and protect our beautiful borough as a clean and safe place to live in.”
The public can give their views in an online consultation here.
The survey runs until 6 August and the results will be discussed at the Housing and Environment Committee on 7 September.
