New dog control orders to include Antrim and Newtownabbey visitor attractions
New dog control orders are to be implemented in Antrim and Newtownabbey from January 1 which will include visitor attractions in the borough.
The council’s Operations Committee, which met at Antrim Civic Centre, on Monday evening, agreed dogs must be kept on leads in the Platinum Jubilee Garden area of Antrim Castle Gardens and the Coronation Garden at Hazelbank Park, Newtownabbey.
Dogs will also have to be kept on leads in cemeteries and the crematorium at Doagh Road, Newtownabbey.
However, dogs will not be permitted in playgrounds, pitches, playing fields or sensory gardens at Antrim Forum, Hazelbank Park and Ballyclare War Memorial Park when restrictions are introduced next year.
A committee report explained dog control orders are being amended for consistency across the borough to cover dog exclusion areas; dogs on leads areas; dogs on leads by direction and dog fouling. Signage will be installed in all relevant areas.
A public consultation which took place in July showed support for greater enforcement with requests for designated off-lead areas to be retained or extended, particularly at Hazelbank, Loughshore and Antrim Castle Gardens.
In recent years, two dedicated dog parks have been established at Antrim Forum and Valley Park, in Newtownabbey, offering space for off-lead exercise. Officers consider “sufficient designated spaces remain across the borough for off-lead exercise”, the committee report said.
Speaking at the meeting, Antrim Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly, a dog owner, said: “It is good to see this in front of us. It covers all council areas. There is not that many changes which is a good thing. There are still plenty of on-lead and off-lead areas.”
Cllr Kelly stressed every dog owner has a responsibility to ensure they are in control of their dog whether it is on or off-lead. “I want to emphasise it is down to us to be responsible dog owners.”
He went on to say the council is contacted constantly about enforcement over dog fouling and he reminded that everyone has a part to play in clearing up after their pet.
Cllr Kelly proposed approving the updated dog control orders, seconded by party colleague Airport Cllr Andrew McAuley.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter