News and information from Corfe Mullen Conservatives:
Rethink needed on Dog Control Orders
‘Ridiculous’ proposals penalise law abiding majority because of irresponsible minority
Nick King, Prospective Conservative MP, is calling on East Dorset District Council to think again on their proposed dog control orders on Corfe Mullen Rec.
Nick has been contacted by many local residents concerned at the proposals to exclude dog walkers from the upper fields.
“This is a sledgehammer to crack a nut”, says Nick. “The proposals look to exclude all dogs from the recreation ground when the problem of fouling is being carried out by a small minority.”
Our research has shown that there are no records of any prosecution ever having been pursued in Corfe Mullen for dog fouling.
“I understand East Dorset District Council employs two dog wardens,” continues Nick. “The council should be using them to tackle the problem before putting forward ridiculous proposals that penalise everyone for the activity of an anti social minority. I’m proposing a code of conduct and better policing be introduced for a trial period before any further action is taken.”
Dog control orders: our opinion
· It has been suggested by some councillors that there are plenty of other areas to walk a dog other than the recreation ground. The only other meaningful area is the heath land at the southern end of Corfe Mullen. Natural England does not want more dogs on the heath, as they will cause more damage to flora, fauna and wildlife.
· Another suggestion is that dog owners take their dog to walk on the local bridal paths. This is totally unworkable. Dogs can not run free in these locations.
· Corfe Mullen Parish Council confirms nobody has ever been fined for leaving dog mess in the recreation ground. There are many signs throughout threatening a fine of up to £1000.00 if dog owners leave mess unattended. Our suggestion is effective policing and fining of the few selfish culprits. EDDC should name and shame the culprits.
· When sport is being played, we believe it is reasonable to keep a dog on a lead. When there are no matches being played, a dog should be allowed to run free.
· The irresponsible, selfish dog owners who allow their dogs to mess should be punished. We do not believe the majority of responsible dog owning people should be punished, by restricting their dog walks unfairly, because of the behaviour of a selfish few.
· Some older people regularly walk their dogs at the rec. They have complained it will be impossible for them to walk their dogs, as proposed, on the steep slopes on the northern part of the rec.
· It has been suggested by some councillors that there are plenty of other areas to walk a dog other than the recreation ground. The only other meaningful area is the heath land at the southern end of Corfe Mullen. Natural England does not want more dogs on the heath, as they will cause more damage to flora, fauna and wildlife.
· Another suggestion is that dog owners take their dog to walk on the local bridal paths. This is totally unworkable. Dogs can not run free in these locations.
· Corfe Mullen Parish Council confirms nobody has ever been fined for leaving dog mess in the recreation ground. There are many signs throughout threatening a fine of up to £1000.00 if dog owners leave mess unattended. Our suggestion is effective policing and fining of the few selfish culprits. EDDC should name and shame the culprits.
· When sport is being played, we believe it is reasonable to keep a dog on a lead. When there are no matches being played, a dog should be allowed to run free.
· The irresponsible, selfish dog owners who allow their dogs to mess should be punished. We do not believe the majority of responsible dog owning people should be punished, by restricting their dog walks unfairly, because of the behaviour of a selfish few.
· Some older people regularly walk their dogs at the rec. They have complained it will be impossible for them to walk their dogs, as proposed, on the steep slopes on the northern part of the rec.