Maidstone council updates dog controls

Maidstone Borough Council is updating its Public Space Protection Order for dog control next month. 

There will be a new requirement for people to limit the number of dogs they walk to four anywhere in the borough of Maidstone, unless they are a licensed dog boarder or registered to the council’s Professional Dog Walkers’ Scheme. 

In addition, the requirement to keep a dog on a lead will be extended to the town centre. Currently, this applies to only the grounds of Maidstone cemetery and crematorium.

From October, it will remain an offence to allow dogs to wander or roam loose without a person accompanying it or to not keep a dog on a lead when requested by an authorised officer. 

It is also an offence to take or allow a dog into council-owned play areas and tennis courts. 

Cabinet member for housing and health, Councillor Lottie Parfitt Reid, said: “Responsible dog ownership is an important element of having a dog and the council is introducing new measures to encourage everyone to ensure the safety of their pet and others. 

“I would ask everyone who has a dog to be a responsible owner and follow the rules and regulations that apply to their dog.”