Dogs banned from playgrounds and sports pitches (From Haringey Independent)

Dogs banned from playgrounds and sports pitches under Haringey Borough Council Dog Control Orders

4:40pm Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Hermione Wright

Dog owners could face £1,000 fines if their dogs are caught in children’s playgrounds or sports pitches from next year.

The Dog Control Orders were approved by Haringey Borough Council last night following a consultation into dangerous dogs.

Offenders will be handed a Fixed Penalty Notice of £80, and if unpaid, people could face a £1,000 fine as well as being summoned to court.

Police, council officers and Homes for Haringey officers will hand out fines if owners are caught flaunting the rules.

Dogs will be banned from marked pitches when sport is being played.

It will also become an offence for one person to walk more than six dogs at once, and dog owners will be forced to put their animal on leads when it is out of control or causing a nuisance.

Dogs must also be on leads on roads, in communal areas on housing estates, publicly accessible land, cemeteries, car parks and parks less than half a hectare in size.

Cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Nilgun Canver, said: "These Dog Control Orders have been introduced in response to very serious concerns about dogs from residents in all parts of the borough, including many dog owners.

"I want children to be able to use playgrounds without feeling threatened by dogs and everyone should be able to walk in a park without standing in dog mess.

"If all dog owners act responsibly - as most already do, there will be no need to issue any penalties at all."

The politician stressed that the fines are not on-the-spot and a notice will be handed out with details of where and how the penalty can be paid.

According to the council, notices of which order is in force will be “clearly displayed” on park notice boards.