Dogs - have your say

raveydavey · Post by **raveydavey** » Wed 02 Jun, 2010 8:25 pm

The council are engaging in "public consultation" regarding the many dogs of our fine city, with an on-line survey to complete.http://www.leeds.gov.uk/Community_and_l ... eme.aspxAs a responsible dog owner, I'd certainly welcome a crack down on those who allow their dogs to foul and don't clean up after them, and on dogs which are allowed to roam the streets all day, but I can't help but fear that this consultation will see over the top and draconian laws put in place with responsible dog owners unfairly targeted (easy pickings, like motorists) while the people who cause the problems are once again left unchallenged.I can't recall ever seeing a dog warden all the times I've been out with my dog, yet a warden at Golden Acre Park could make a fortune handing out fixed penalty notices to the fools who don't clear up after their pets (despite ample doggie bins).Once of the proposed laws is to have all dogs on a lead at all times within the City of Leeds. Possibly desirable in a small city park (and certainly in specific childrens play areas), but no dogs off the lead on Otley Chevin or at Temple Newsam? Thats just ridiculous.There is no such thing as a bad dog, only a bad dog owner. Dogs are entirely a product of their environment and especially the training they are given.

Riponian · Post by **Riponian** » Wed 02 Jun, 2010 9:21 pm

Being the owner of a canine, a collection of plastic bags, and knowing she's tagged chipped and wormed, how about responsible owners getting something out of this rather than hitting us with more (unenforced) regulation?Lets have some enforcement of the irresponsible owners. I don't want a ban of dogs off the lead - it'd really frustrate my collie who loves to run around, chase balls and socialise with other dogs.I suppose that I'd go over the border to Ilkley then for my long walks. Linear walk along the canal out of the question then. I'd love to see the report as the Council Jobsworth stops a police dog and throws it in the back of the Dog Warden's van.

Post by **chameleon** » Wed 02 Jun, 2010 10:55 pm

I think you're right Davey - there is also a proposal to reintroduce the dog licence, I suspect that, rather in the way you suggest, this will serve to identify those who try ro be responsible but who may inadvertantly come unstuck sometime, being the ones penalised whilst the very people such measures are intended to control will carry on freely as they do now.As far as leads are concerned, yes under control at all times, but this doesn't always necesitate being tethered. How I wonder, does this sit with the legal obligations of the nimal Welfare Act to allow animals to follow their normal traits?( I witnessed a ridiculous situation of a while ago where a chap taking his Guide dog out of the office was challenged for not 'cleaning up'. The guy simply said something along the lines of, no problem, just help me find it' challenge over!!).

outofthefire · Post by **outofthefire** » Wed 02 Jun, 2010 11:20 pm

I walk my dog in fields near crossgates there is some moron bagging up after there dog but leaving the full bag at the scene of the crime.

Post by **chameleon** » Wed 02 Jun, 2010 11:32 pm

outofthefire wrote: I walk my dog in fields near crossgates there is some moron bagging up after there dog but leaving the full bag at the scene of the crime. I've seen this happen but to my surprise, every bag was then collected on the 'return' trip home!

dogduke · Post by **dogduke** » Thu 03 Jun, 2010 1:08 am

If there has to be some form of licence then lets licence the owners after proving that they are a fit person to look after a dog.you don't OWN a dog,you care for it.Most of the young yobs who see the Staffy etc as a butch show of aggression should never be allowed a dog.Recent reports shows huge numbers of Staffies turning up in dog rescue centres.Take your dog out,wear your I.D.round your neck on a ribbon like most employers insist on now,no I.D. = Fine.