Time is running out for Islanders to have their say on the Isle of Wight Council’s plans to renew dog controls.
So far more than 600 residents have shared their views on whether certain rules around dogs in public spaces should be reintroduced.
Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPOs) allow the council to continue protecting the Island’s beaches and public spaces for locals and visitors to enjoy.
The council is required to renew these orders every 3 years and consult with residents, but as exclusively revealed by Island Echo, they failed to do so prior to the Summer season.
The authority is not proposing any changes to the PSPOs previously in force. These cover a wide range of dog control measures, while also encouraging responsible dog ownership.
The measures include:
- requiring owners to pick up after their dog in public areas, such as parks and open spaces;
- excluding dogs from selected beaches between 1 May and 30 September (the majority of Island beaches welcome dogs all year round);
- requiring dogs to be on a lead in Island cemeteries; and
- restricting dogs from fenced children’s play areas.
After the consultation, all the comments that are made will be considered before any decision is made.
The final decision to agree the new order, with any changes included, will be made by the council’s Cabinet in November.
The consultation closes on Sunday 27th October and residents can complete the survey by visiting the council’s website at https://www.iow.gov.uk/council-and-councillors/consultations-and-engagement/consultations-and-surveys/.
The council would like to hear the views of all stakeholders — dog owners, users of our public spaces, community and sports groups, town, parish and community councils, local residents and businesses.
Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, Cabinet member for parks and open spaces, says:
“Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to take part in the PSPO consultation so far.
“I would like to encourage more residents to complete the survey, which only takes five minutes to do, as your input will help to shape and inform the future of our PSPOs.
“Your views are really important and we will consider all the feedback received to help inform a decision on the proposals.”
There’s really no point if there’s no-one to enforce the rules.
Try, as a member of the public, telling a dog walker they shouldn’t have their dog on the beach in the summer months and see what response you get.
So, given that the Council is cutting back in nearly every department, how do they intend enforcing their own rules?
Very true.
No point having rules if no one polices them.
I have seen many dogs on beaches in the summer,
also many who’s owners let them foul the pavement.
Looking at many dog owners they are not approachable
people.
Many dog owners are not fit to own a dog.
All dogs should be kept on a lead, many dog owners
don’t seem to own a lead.
IW Council are more concerned slapping parking
tickets on vehicles than dealing with more serious issues.
I do not respect this Council, lack of leadership is the
problem.
If it’s not broken then why fix it i am a dog owner