Feedback invited on dog and seagull controls

Have your say on East Devon District Council’s consultation on new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to encourage responsible dog ownership and a ban on feeding seagulls

For many years a number of Dog Control Orders have been in place in East Devon. These are legal controls, which exist to encourage responsible dog ownership in East Devon. At the moment:

• Dogs aren't allowed in some play parks and public gardens.
• You must pick up your dog's poo in all public places.
• Dogs aren't allowed on some beaches between 1 May and 30 September.
• Dogs must be kept on leads in some areas.
• One person can only walk a maximum of six dogs at a time.

The council has to incorporate all these existing orders into new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) before the end of next year. While this process takes place it is considering making some changes and additions to the current rules. These changes are due to recent improvements, for example to some play areas, requests from town and parish councils and the Environmental Health Team’s observations about the effectiveness of some existing controls.

It is important that people voice their thoughts on the new proposed PSPOs so that they can be taken into consideration.

Find out all about the proposals and take part before 31 January 2017: www.eastdevon.gov.uk/consultation-and-surveys/public-space-protection-or....

If you need a paper copy of the consultation, or require it in any other format please e-mail environmentalhealth@eastdevon.gov.uk or call 01395 571456.

Almost all of the dog controls have stayed the same and have just been transferred across to a Public Space Protection Order. The main changes proposed are:

• Dogs must be kept on leads on the highway and on footpaths next to the highway. This is because loose dogs have been a hazard to vehicles, cyclists and walkers. 100% of dog owners questioned in a survey the council carried out in the summer agreed that this was a responsible thing to do.
• Minor changes to the seasonal dog exclusions on two beaches. The council identified that more space was needed for families with dogs in Exmouth and this could be done without impacting upon a long length of dog free beach, and in Sidmouth one of the “dogs allowed” areas could not be easily and safely accessed; under the new proposals it could be.
• A ban on feeding seagulls on or near town beaches. This is because people using the esplanades, beaches and walkways are often affected by gulls stealing food or being attracted to people deliberately feeding them.

Councillor Ian Chubb, East Devon District Council portfolio holder for Environment said: “We play an important role in promoting and encouraging responsible dog ownership in East Devon. We do this by providing educational material and talks to schools and groups, attending events and responding to the concerns of residents and visitors.

“We have to change the Dog Control Orders into a PSPO and this is an important opportunity to improve the controls based on what residents, town and parish councils and officers are telling us. We want to know if you agree with what we are proposing, so please get involved.”