PRESS RELEASE

Brent Council will be introducing new dog control orders in its parks and open spaces to improve their environment for all users by encouraging responsible dog ownership.

The control orders, agreed by Brent Council's Executive on 14 November, stipulate the maximum number of dogs which may be taken into the open spaces by one person, the areas where dogs are excluded and the areas in Brent's open spaces where dogs must be kept on leads. The orders will come into effect early in the new year.

Brent Council consulted extensively with dog owners, professional dog walking companies and other users of open spaces earlier this year about the plans. The consultation reflected concerns that professional walkers were taking out up to 12 dogs at a time, which were fouling and not always properly controlled in open spaces. In addition, dogs not properly under control has been inhibiting children's play and putting off walkers, joggers and people from playing sports in some parks.

The control orders will limit the maximum number of dogs which can be exercised together by one person to six. In addition, dogs will not be permitted in any playground, tennis court, netball court, bowling green or multi-use games area stated in the orders unless they are assisting a registered blind, deaf or disabled person. In all pocket parks and some areas such as walled gardens and cricket wickets of some parks dogs can be exercised but must be kept on a lead by their owner. The control orders apply to Queen's Park, which is managed by the Corporation of London, but again registered blind, deaf or disabled people with a trained animal are exempt.

Councillor James Powney, Lead Member for Environment and Neighbourhoods, said:

"The dog control orders balance the interests of dog owners with other park users. There is a need for people, in particular children, to have access to dog-free areas and also areas where dogs are kept under strict control. But we also understand that dog owners need open areas where they can exercise their pets without restrictions. The new measures do not disadvantage dog walkers, but promote safe dog walking. Indeed, dogs will still be able to exercise off-lead in 90 per cent of our green spaces.

"Dog owners are important users of our parks and Brent Council promotes and encourages responsible dog ownership. Most owners are conscientious; however, a small minority are not and this spoils the enjoyment of Brent's open spaces and parks for others. The control orders mean that our parks can be enjoyed by all their users."

Brent Council will be informing dog owners about the orders in roadshows next year and they will be reviewed after six months. Public consultation was undertaken between 7 February and 3 May 2011 and 132 responses were received from dog owners, professional dog walkers and other users of Brent's parks and open spaces.

Further information about open spaces is available at www.brent.gov.uk/parks