Cabinet to discuss Aberdare Park dog controls following consultation
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Members will consider a report following the recent public consultation into dog controls at Aberdare Park.
The consultation included an online survey asking local residents about whether a requirement for dogs to be kept on leads at Aberdare Park should be included in a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). An event at the park was held on August 16, so residents could have their say in person.
In total, 298 (82.5%) of the 361 respondents agreed that dogs should be kept on leads at the park. Meanwhile, 60 respondents (16.6%) said dogs should not be required to be kept on leads, and three (0.8%) said they didn’t know.
The majority of respondents agreed with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 for the proposed offence for anyone breaking the proposed Order.
The consultation came about after the Council announced it is introducing new measures to tackle irresponsible dog owners from October 1, promoted through its hard-hitting Sort **IT Out! campaign.
Dog owners MUST carry suitable means to pick up dog mess, while dogs will be banned from ALL Council schools, play areas and marked sports pitches. MORE enforcement officers will be employed, and can issue BIGGER, £100 fines. Dog walkers MUST also follow Authorised Officers’ direction – including for a dog to be put on a lead in any public place.
The specific consultation for Aberdare Park was carried out following feedback from local Councillors, who outlined the strong support locally for keeping the park’s current rule – which dates back to a by-law from 1866 – whereby dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
Cabinet will consider the consultation feedback at the September 28 meeting.
Council spokesman said: “Due to the unique history at Aberdare Park dating back more than 150 years, and the feedback the Council received from local Councillors, a further consultation over the specific issue of the requirement for dogs to be kept on leads has been carried out.
“The new, harder-hitting dog fouling rules will come into force on October 1, and have been widely welcomed since they were announced. This is the Council’s response to a call to action from residents, to sort this issue out.”
If Cabinet agree to keep the existing rules at Aberdare Park, park uses will continue to be required to keep dogs on leads at all times from October 1, when the wider dog fouling changes come into force.
