Council to open consultation on proposed Dog Control Orders

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is encouraging dog owners and other interested parties to have their say on the Council’s proposed Dog Control Orders by participating in an upcoming public consultation.

The new proposals will apply to 20% of open space owned by the Council.  The proposed Dog Control Orders would, if adopted, introduce certain additional controls over dogs in Council-owned public places.

Speaking about the consultation, the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Siobhán Currie said “the proposals with regard to where dog owners can take their dogs are no different to those already in place. Dogs are currently not permitted in Council play areas, football pitches, multi-use games areas, artificial pitches, bowling greens or tennis courts and under the new proposals this will still be the case. However, the proposed orders will give the Council more power to take action on breaches of these regulations.

It is vital that these areas provide a safe environment for children to play and arekept free of dog mess, which is both unhygienic and hazardous, particularly to children. Dog faeces is associated with the disease toxocariasis which can cause serious illness and even lead to blindness. I would encourage you to avail of the opportunity to have your input into this important development.”

The consultation process regarding the proposed Dog Control Orders will afford the general public the opportunity to have their say on the Council’s proposals to promote continued responsible dog ownership and will complement its existing Green Dog Walker Scheme. Respondents will also have an opportunity to comment on the proposals for dedicated dog parks for Enniskillen and Omagh.

The public consultation begins on Monday 16 September and will run until Friday 18 October 2019. Interested parties will be able to give their views at drop-in sessions which will take place at Omagh Leisure Complex and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum during the first week of October. Further details of times and dates will follow.  An online survey will also be available for completion on the Council’s website or written submissions can also be forwarded to the Licensing Department, Strule House, 16 High Street, Omagh or by email at dogcontrol@fermanaghomagh.com.

The draft Orders, including maps of the specific areas covered by the proposed legislation, can be viewed at the Townhall, Enniskillen and the Connect Centre, High Street, Omagh or by downloading the documents from the Council’s website at www.fermanaghomagh.com from Monday 16 September 2019.  Alternatively, please contact the Council’s Licensing department by telephone on 0300 303 1777, textphone: 028 8225 6216 or by email at dogcontrol@fermanaghomagh.com.