The Kennel Club is calling on dog owners who live in North Devon, as well as frequent visitors to the area, to respond to a wide-ranging Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) consultation that could impact their access to popular locations with their dogs.
The proposed PSPO aims to restrict access to sites such as beaches, cemeteries and parks which are often frequented by dog walkers. Furthermore, it proposes to place a dogs on lead order for large areas of land such as Braunton Burrows and the Tarka Trail. This is likely to force dog owners to use alternative sites which may be impractical and remote, or even onto agricultural land which could lead to issues with livestock.
The Kennel Club is not opposed to the principle of restrictions on dog owners and walkers. It is often overlooked that problems associated with irresponsible dog ownership affect responsible dog owners as much as those without dogs. However, dog owners who live in North Devon or visit it often are strongly encouraged to view these proposals and provide their thoughts.
Ed Hayes, Public Affairs and Policy Manager at the Kennel Club, said: “We are urging dog owners in North Devon to let their voices be heard and respond to this consultation.
“We believe that the PSPO proposals in North Devon have the potential to be particularly impactful as they may involve the exclusion of dogs from sites such as beaches and sport fields. This could affect the ability for dogs to be properly exercised and may pose a threat to the social bonds between dog walkers who have previously been able to walk together.”
The survey closed on 9th August.
There is further advice for dog owners facing access issues on the Kennel Club website: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/access-for-owners-and-dogs/.