Dogs could be banned from children's playgrounds in Kettering

The move is one of three additions to current dog offences Kettering Council is to consult the public on.

Currently dog fouling, letting a dog off a lead in specified cemeteries and refusing to put a dog on a lead when requested by an officer are enforceable as offences in the borough.

Now the council wants to ban dogs from enclosed playgrounds, require dogs to be kept on leads in designated areas, and limit the number of dogs one person can walk on a lead to six.

Head of public services at Kettering Council Shirley Plenderleith said: “Kettering Council has received more than 500 complaints regarding dog fouling in the past three years.

“It is a significant health issue and we’d like to see a reduction in dog fouling incidents.

“Requiring dogs to be kept on leads or restricting access to dogs in certain designated areas will ensure dogs are under proper control and reduces the risk of dog fouling, making these areas cleaner and safer.”

The council is asking for public feedback on the areas of proposed restrictions and have set up a survey to help us consult with local people to ensure our initial plans are appropriate.

Cllr Mark Dearing, Kettering Council’s portfolio holder for environment, said: “I’m delighted we’re doing this and I would like to encourage local residents to take part in this consultation.

“It is about benefitting the community as a whole to help make it a cleaner, safer and a healthier place to live.”

More information, including the survey, a map of the areas included and a full list of the restrictions can be found here until September 30.