Dog Control Order Enforcement Notices come into effect: 16 November

Earlier in the year, Lewisham Council approved the adoption of a borough wide Dog Control Order, following new legislation under Section 55 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act (2005). This meant that the borough could take action, and enforcement, against people who did not comply with new rules.

As from 16 November 2009, enforcement action - which means an on-the-spot fine of £75.00 - can now be taken against people who:

• Fail to remove their dog’s faeces from a public place
• Do not keep their dog on a lead in a designated area, such as a park or open space - these will be sign-posted in public areas
• Do not put, or keep their dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer
• Permit their dog to enter land to which dogs are excluded - these will be sign-posted
• Take more than 4 dogs onto land at any one time

Councillor Susan Wise, Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said: “Lewisham Council wants anyone who owns a dog to behave in a responsible manner, and the vast majority of people do. There are, however, a small number of people who do sometimes act irresponsibly. These are the people the Council can now take action against if they break the new regulations.”

As well as Council enforcement officers other partners such as Safer Neighbourhood Teams, Neighbourhood Wardens, housing partners and the Council’s parks contractors, will have the authority to issue the Fixed Penalty Notices if people do not comply with the regulations.

The Dog Control Orders exclude people who are registered blind with a guide dog and people with trained/registered support dogs.

As part of its drive to encourage responsible dog ownership, Lewisham Council holds free dog microchipping events around the borough. Contact Lewisham Animal Welfare Team on 020 8314 2098 for more information.

For further information about the locations where the Dog Control Order applies to visit www.lewisham.gov.uk/dogs