Labour’s Environment Minister has agreed to undertake a review of Welsh Dog Control Orders after a Welsh Conservative AM raised fears about the ability of local authorities to crack down on dog fouling.
Russell George AM, Shadow Environment Minister, raised concerns with the Minister that the Dog Control Order regulations are more prescriptive and onerous in Wales than other parts of the UK.
Dog Control Orders were introduced to allow local authorities to impose restrictions in specified areas, such as keeping dogs on a lead or ensuring the removal of dog faeces.
In Wales every item of access land affected by a Dog Control Order must be identified using the Countryside Council for Wales’ online access maps. In England, a local authority only has to state whether access land is or is not affected.
In Wales, notices are required on or near every piece of affected land to bring the public’s attention to the Dog Control Order. Guidance in England is less prescriptive and simply requires signage ‘where practicable’.
Russell George has raised fears that the prescriptive regulations could make it more difficult for local authorities to crack down on dog fouling, which can blight the local environment.
Russell George AM, Shadow Minister for the Environment, said, "It is right that local authorities should be able to ensure that the walking of dogs is appropriate to the local environment.
"The public expect Councils to use Dog Control Orders to promote responsible dog ownership by encouraging owners to keep their dogs on a lead and warn of the penalties of dog fouling.
"Because of the way Welsh Government regulations were drafted, Councils in Wales have to overcome more red tape than other parts of the UK in protecting the natural environment from a small minority of irresponsible dog owners.
"I am grateful to the Welsh Minister for taking on board my concerns and agreeing to undertake a review of the Dog Control Order regulations in Wales.
"At a time when all public bodies are under financial pressure, it is right to reduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and streamline processes to protect the Welsh environment.
"We have a beautiful natural environment, which is particularly spectacular in parts of rural Wales, where it may not be practical to blot the landscape by erecting signs, so I welcome greater flexibility which could allow local Councils to use their judgement."