Parishes discuss dog control plans

Plans for tighter controls will see man's best friend banned from parts of the district and stricter rules introduced to make sure owners clear up after their pets.

The overhaul in dog control comes as The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 replaces existing controls on dogs through byelaws.

Over the last few months, town and parish councils throughout Rother have been consulted on the plans. Several amendments have been made to the order following consultations.

Councillors at Battle, who previously said the plans were too strict, asked for town council controlled land to be excluded from the order.

Levetts Lane, in Bodiam, also looks likely to be excluded following a request from the parish council, which owns and manages the site.

Meanwhile Salehurst and Robertsbridge Parish Council has asked for Bishops Meadow, Pipers Field and Pocket Park to be included.

Sedlescombe Parish Council has asked for dogs to be banned from cemeteries, churchyards, the village sports ground and allotment sites, except from public footpaths where they should be kept on short leads.

Councillors also want dogs completely excluded from Red Barn Field Nature Park.

But the order was not received so well by some other parishes, with several questioning how the order can be enforced.

Councillors at Whatlington voiced strong objections, branding the plans 'unnecessary and unenforceable', while Catsfield Parish Council said the rules were 'too draconian'.

Both parish councils, along with Crowhurst, are to be excluded from the order.

There are a number of exemptions including working police dogs, dogs helping the blind, deaf and disabled, and anyone acting with the consent of the landowner.

Anyone found breaching the orders without a reasonable excuse could face court action.

The Dog Control Orders could in place by Easter with the plans to be discussed on Monday at Rother District Council's cabinet meeting, Bexhill Town Hall, starting at 2.30pm.