Council crack down on dog owners in Newcastle

Council crack down on dog owners in Newcastle

24 April 2013

DOGS will no longer be allowed to roam free at some of Newcastle’s most popular areas from the start of June.

Down Council is introducing tough new legislation which requires dog owners to keep their pets on a lead while walking at the town’s promenade area.

Dogs will also no longer be allowed off the lead at the adjacent Downs Road car park area and at the Newcastle Centre and outdoor Tropicana swimming pool.

Also under the new legislation, dog owners must keep their pets on a lead while walking along Newcastle beach between 10am and 6pm from the start of April to September 30 every year. Dogs can roam free at all other times.

District-wide, dog owners who don’t clean up after their pets and people who litter will be fined £80. Council staff are currently erecting new signs in towns and villages warning people about the impending introduction of the new legislation which local politicians hope will persuade people to take a greater pride in the district.

Councillor Eamonn O’Neill, chairman of Down Council’s Environmental Services Committee, said the district has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country and is proud to show it off, not only to its own residents, but particularly to visitors.

“With so many big events planned for the area this year a large number of visitors are expected to come to our district and Down Council, on behalf of its residents, wants to show it off to its best advantage,” he declared.

But councillor O’Neill warned that however hard the local authority tries, a “significant number of people” still seem to have no regard for the environment or their fellow citizens and continue to litter, dump waste and allow their dogs to foul indiscriminately.

He continued: “That’s why Down Council is saying to people to take pride in the district. I recognise that the majority of dog owners are responsible and I would like to thank them for the efforts they make to comply with the law.”

Councillor Carmel O’Boyle said littering and dumping waste is also blighting the district with the clean-up costs met by ratepayers. She said this is why the fine for these offences has been increased to £80.

She added: “Down Council is asking everyone to consider the consequences and costs of their actions before discarding any kind of litter or not cleaning up after their dog.

“All this waste has to be lifted at a cost. This money could be better spent on improving our area for all its residents and visitors. I would appeal to people to dispose of their waste properly. This takes very little effort and saves a lot of money.”