A ROW has broken
out on the Southside over local bye-laws that require dog owners to keep their
pets on leashes.
The bye-laws
stipulate that dogs must be on a leash at all times on all beaches and in
public parks except Killiney Hill and at enclosed
‘dog pens’ in Marlay Park,
Shanganagh Park, Deerpark and Cabinteely Park.
Dogs are also
completely banned from all beaches during the summer months from June to
September from the hours of 10am-7pm. Outside those times they must still be
kept on a leash.
Local
campaigners opposed to the bye-laws laid down by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County
Council staged public demonstrations against them in recent months.
They have
reacted angrily to a statement by Cllr Richard Humphreys (Lab), who claimed
that a campaign had been launched by what he described as a
“vocal minority
? of
dog owners.
“In crowded
areas such as beaches and parks, unleashed dogs can pose a real threat,
particularly to children,
? Cllr Humphreys said.
“Responsible owners will
recognise the need to have dogs on a leash when near children but unfortunately
a vocal minority seem to be anxious to put the interests of dogs over those of
citizens of the county.
?
Cllr Humphreys
claimed that the council is receiving a
“high number
? of complaints from beach
users referring to the
“nuisance, interference, intimidation and attack on some
occasions by dogs which are not under control
?.
He also noted
that the council had arranged for a specific and limited
“off-leash
? area on
Killiney Beach.
“I am quite
sceptical about whether this can work effectively,
? the councillor added.
“I
would urge the council to approach the matter with great caution and with the
interests of families first and foremost, ahead of a vocal lobby led by a small
minority of dog owners.
?
In response
Elizabeth Nelligan, spokeswoman for the Dogs Unleashed campaign, said Cllr
Humphreys should have criticised irresponsible owners
“rather than firing his
indiscriminate salvo against anyone who owns a dog
?.
“Having a dog on
a leash at all times on our beaches and in our parks absolutely will not
eliminate the anti-social behaviour of a minority of irresponsible owners who
allow their dogs to cause any sort of a nuisance to the public,
? she said.
“Cllr Humphreys
assumes that leash laws will make already irresponsible owners suddenly begin
to clean up after their dogs. He simply could not be more wrong. What will make
them clean up is simply an enforcement of the existing dog fouling laws by the
council.
?
Ms Nelligan
argued that responsible dog owners who wanted to exercise themselves and their
pets were now being forced to drive to the more
“flexible and tolerant
?
neighbouring counties of Dublin City and Fingal to avoid the
?¬150 fines imposed
in Dun Laoghaire Rathdown.
She also claimed
that the bye-laws were unfair and were having an adverse impact upon some
elderly and disabled dog owners.
“We invite
informed and intelligent dialogue and discussion on this matter and urge the
county council to consider the modest alternatives we have developed,
? she added.
A spokeswoman
for the council said that as part of the progression of their policy on the
control of dogs, a number of additional off-leash areas were being considered
throughout the county.
She said a
limited area had been designated “off-leash” on Killiney Beach on a
trial basis.
“If this
off-leash designation is successful and does not draw significant opposition or
complaint from beach users, such designations could be extended and trialled in
other beach locations,
? she said.
“This will
assist in any review of the bye-laws and if such areas can be introduced and
extended with appropriate and adequate signage it should ensure that all beach
users can be accommodated harmoniously.
?