Causeway Coast & Glens Alliance councillor Kane calls for upgrade on Ballymoney's dog parks

During May’s Environmental Services Committee meeting of the Borough Council, Alliance councillor Lee Kane put forward a motion, which noted residents’ concerns regarding off-lead dogs at both Riverside Park and Megaw Park in the town.

The motion read: “Council recognises the importance of safe, designated spaces where dogs can exercise off-lead and the need to balance the needs of all park users, [and] notes that while signage is currently in place within these parks stating that dogs should be kept on leads, these instructions are not supported by enforceable Dog Control Orders.

“Council resolves to initiate the process of introducing Dog Control Orders requiring dogs to be kept on leads in Riverside Park and Megaw Park, except within the designated dog-run area [and] undertake a scoping exercise to assess options for upgrading dog-run facilities in both, ensuring they are safe and secure, appropriately designed for different breed sizes, and provide stimulating environments for dogs to exercise and play.”

Councillor Kane said he had been contacted by a visually impaired resident whose guide dog had become unsettled due to off-lead dogs. He added that he had also been contacted by residents with allergies and phobias who have been negatively affected.

“This motion isn’t anti-dog and it’s not anti-dog owner,” Councillor Kane emphasised.

“I spend half my time when I’m out and about stopping to say hello to dogs, most of the owners I meet are responsible people, and and most of the dogs I encounter are friendly.

“But even a friendly dog can unintentionally cause distress to someone with fear of dogs or trigger an allergic reaction,” he added.

“There are signs in the parks that ask owners to keep their dogs on leads, however those signs are not enforceable and there are not currently Dog Control Orders in place, and this motion simply seeks to rectify that situation.

“The current dog run at Riverside Park is no longer fit for purpose. It is in a poor condition, it lacks stimulation for dogs, and frankly no one uses it. That is why this proposal also calls for investment into upgraded dog park facilities at both Riverside and Megaw park spaces with secure enclosures,” concluded the Ballymoney Alliance councillor.

Council’s Director of Environmental Services, Aidan McPeake, said he would return a report on the feasibility of upgrading both parks in Ballymoney, but warned that Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council would require evidence in order to implement the aforementioned Dog Control Orders.

Mr McPeake concluded: “Based on complaints that we would have for both Riverside and Megaw what’s reported to Council would be very small numbers, so if you don’t have that evidence there’s always a risk if you go forward with a Dog Control Order that it could be challenged.”

Members of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee voted unanimously in favour of Cllr Kane’s motion on the issue.