Drop in information sessions 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.

The Council is currently consulting on the introduction of Dog Control Orders in the district.

The proposed Dog Control Orders will introduce certain additional controls over dogs in public places to promote responsible dog ownership and provide safe access to open spaces for all. The proposed Dog Control Orders apply to 20% of Council open space.

Drop in information sessions will take place at Omagh Leisure Complex on Tuesday 1 October 2019 and Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen on Wednesday 2 October 2019, from 12 noon to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm, where members of the public will have an opportunity to speak to Council staff, view the proposed Dog Control Orders and maps, and provide feedback on the proposed orders.

The Dog Control Orders propose:

• Giving the Council more power to take action on breaches of current regulations that do not permit dogs in Council play areas, football pitches, multi-use games areas, artificial pitches, bowling greens or tennis courts.
• Introducing new controls requiring dogs to be kept on leads in certain areas, such as Council cemeteries, burial grounds and public parks.
• Introducing new controls allowing an authorised Council officer to require a dog to be put on a lead if the officer believes that such restraint is reasonably necessary to prevent a nuisance or behaviour by the dog likely to cause annoyance or disturbance to any other person or the worrying or disturbance of any animal or bird.

Speaking about the ongoing consultation on the proposed Dog Control Orders, Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Siobhán Currie, said:

“The Council is striving to achieve a balance between the interests of dog owners and the general public,  taking into account the need for people, in particular children, to have access to dog-free areas and areas where dogs are kept under strict control. I encourage people to make their views known by attending a drop in session, completing the online survey or posting their comments to the Council.”

As part of the consultation, the Council is also seeking views on proposals to introduce dedicated dog parks in Enniskillen and Omagh where dogs can be exercised unleashed.

To have your say on the proposed introduction of Dog Control Orders please complete the online survey, call into a drop in information session taking place at Omagh Leisure Complex on Tuesday 1 October or Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen on Wednesday 2 October or send your comments by post to the Licensing Department, Strule House, 16 High Street, Omagh or by email to 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 from the Council website. Alternatively, please contact the Council’s Licensing department by telephone on 0300 303 1777, textphone 028 8225 6216.

All responses about the proposed Dog Control Orders must be submitted to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council no later than 5pm, Friday 11 October 2019.