Stockport Council has recently issued Fixed Penalty Notices to dog walkers in the Heald Green area who had been exercising more than four dogs at the same time.
People exercising large numbers of dogs often have only limited control over their dogs’ behaviour and there is a likelihood that this may give rise to public safety issues.
The Council has a Public Space Protection Order in place across it’s parks and greenspaces to help tackle this and other anti-social behaviour. The Order limits the number of dogs that can be exercised by dog walkers to a maximum of four. The Council’s Dog Warden and Neighbourhoods services monitor compliance in local parks and tackle irresponsible dog owners and professional dog walkers when required.
Cllr Sheila Bailey, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Stockport said:
During these difficult times when people are using our parks and greenspaces much more due to the restrictions imposed to combat Covid-19, it is especially important that dog walkers behave in a responsible fashion.
“Exercising large numbers of dogs at the same time does cause issues and can put some members of the public at risk as well as making it more likely that all dog fouling will not be removed. Our officers will take appropriate enforcement action when required and I would urge local dog walkers to ensure they keep to the rules.”