HL Deb 02 February 1982 vol 426 cc1285-6WA
Lord Houghton of Sowerby

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What bye-laws have been made by local authorities under Section 164 of the Public Health Act 1875 to impose a complete ban on the admission of dogs into public parks, and in what places.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Belstead)

None. A bye-law banning dogs from all the parks in a particular area would be regarded as unreasonable and my right honourable friend the Home Secretary would not be prepared to confirm it. He is however prepared to confirm bye-laws banning dogs from particular parks provided that there are adequate alternative facilities for dog owners to exercise their animals. During the period 1st January to 31st December 1981, 5 councils banned dogs from a total of 10 grounds within their area.