New policy on 'dirty dogs'

A draft policy to combat dog fouling has been approved by Diss Town Council's policy and resources committee.

The purpose of the policy is to ensure that responsible owners have the freedom to exercise their dogs in and around the town without causing nuisance, or putting at risk the health and safety of others who wish to enjoy its parks and open spaces.

Diss Town Council recognises that the responsibility for the behaviour of a dog rests with its owner and that the owner should ensure that its dog does not foul in a public place, which is illegal.

Dog bag bins will be provided in appropriate locations for the disposal of excremental waste, and appropriate information boards will be clearly displayed at all places which the town council deems to be in the public interest.

Dogs will not be permitted in specific sports and play areas, namely the children's play area on Fair Green, the town's athletic track, football pitches and skateboard park, the designated sports and play area at Rectory Meadow, and the new designated area of the park to be exclusively for children.

Dogs, provided they are kept on a lead, are permitted in streets, pavements, footpaths, and walkways such as Mere's Mouth and Madgett's Walk, as well as Fair Green, excluding the children's play area, the sports ground car park, and footpath leading to the skateboard park. They are also permitted on the footpath and grassed area along the northern border of Rectory Meadow and car park, and Diss Park, including the designated children's area.

The dog orders do not apply to people who may claim exemptions, including those with guide dogs.

South Norfolk Council's environment crime team held a three-day crackdown on dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets, prior to the committee meeting last week when the draft policy was agreed.