Public to have say on possible dog walking rules

A survey has been launched asking people for their views on introducing rules around dog walking.

South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) is looking at whether there is a need for a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to limit the number of dogs on leads that one person can walk at the same time.

The consultation is inviting local people, animal welfare organisations and businesses to share their opinions.

The RSPCA advises that no more than four dogs are walked at any one time.

If initial feedback supports the proposal, the PSPO, lasting up to three years, would be considered after additional consultation.

Councillor Phil Gadd, who represents the Belmont Ward in Grantham, said he had been approached by two people who expressed concerns over people walking packs of dogs off-lead in the area.

He said: "It needs to be tested to see if there is some support for it and I think that's the reasonable thing to do.

"If they don't support it then it doesn't go through.

"I don't want to be too prescriptive, we want to get people to engage."

Councillor Rhea Rayside, cabinet member for people and communities, said: "We want people to have their say at this preliminary stage of the consultation process.

"It gives residents the chance to air concerns, including any impact the introduction of a PSPO limiting the number of dogs on leads being walked by one person may have on you or your business."

The consultation closes on 24 December.

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