‘Dogs on leads’ proposals for Marine Gardens

The decision was made during last week’s meeting of the local government authority’s Operational Committee.

In a report, members heard that the council is currently progressing dog control orders covering fouling, dogs on leads, dogs on leads on promenades, in cemeteries, and on beaches, and the exclusion of dogs from certain zones within Carnfunnock Country Park, Larne.

Separate consultation will take place on the times dogs can be walked off-leads in Carnfunnock, along with proposals to exclude the animals from a number of children’s play parks in the borough.

However, two further proposals have been drafted on the suggestion of elected members, covering Marine Gardens and Larne Town Park.

While the upcoming dogs exclusion order covers the existing children’s play park at Marine Gardens, the proposed dogs on leads order would apply to the remainder of the seafront venue.

Speaking at November meeting of the Operational Committee, Alderman May Beattie said: “I would be concerned about dogs running about on the green as it’s very close to the children’s play area.”

With draft legislation on Ballymena’s People’s Park out to consultation, the move aims to “ensure consistency in approach to enforcement across the ‘premier or destination’ parks” within Mid and East Antrim Borough.