§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is towards bye-law applications seeking to ban dogs from(a) beaches, (b) public parks and (c) other areas; and if she will make a statement. [9667]
§ Mr. MeacherLocal authorities are able to apply to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for the confirmation of bye-laws to control dogs. These bye-laws can ban dogs from(a) beaches, (b) public parks and (c) other areas.
In considering bye-laws for confirmation the Secretary of State must be satisfied that the proposals are reasonable. All dog ban areas must be fully enclosed and gated. This should not only prevent stray dogs from entering, but provide a physical barrier to make it clear to dog owners where the ban area begins and end. The maximum fine under bye-laws is £500.
412WApplication of a dog ban bye-law is likely to be considered unreasonable if there are no alternative areas locally where dogs can be exercised freely. It is a matter for each local authority to decide if they wish to adopt bye-laws in the light of local priorities and resources.
§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many bye-law applications from local authorities her Department has turned down that sought to ban dogs from(a) beaches, (b) public parks and (c) other areas, for each of the last five years, indicating her reasons for those decisions. [9668]
§ Mr. MeacherDetails on the number of bye-law applications from local authorities that have been turned down that sought to ban dogs from(a) beaches, (b) public parks and (c) other areas is only available since July 1999. Since this time, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has rejected three dog ban bye-law applications on procedural grounds.