Decision details

a)    that following investigations into the potential for a ban on all dogs from Council owned football and sports pitches, Cabinet discontinues the proposal due to the limitations and costs of implementing such a restriction.

b)    that Cabinet endorses the continuation of existing methods to help prevent and enforce against dog fouling within the District including the work seeking to establish free dog waste bags in conjunction with a private sector provider.

REASON FOR DECISIONS

To report on the outcome of officers’ investigations and to clarify the current regulations and powers of the Council in relation to the issues raised by the motions submitted at the meetings of Council of 26 July and 11 October 2018 by the Conservative Group and by the question asked by the Butlers Hill Project Community Group at the meeting of Council of 29 November 2018.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED AND REASONS FOR REJECTION

The alternative option of moving forward with a new Public Space Protection Order to potentially restrict dogs from all sports pitches was not recommended as it would not be feasible to do so as all pitches would need to be enclosed to prevent animal access which was not financially viable.