New Dog Control Order to come into force next month

Mayor Fraser Agnew joined council dog wardens Amanda Smith and Iain McAllister this week as they erected notices to inform pet owners about the new legislation.

From Tuesday, April 1, dogs must be kept on leads at all times in the following areas:

• All ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads within the borough.

• All cemeteries and burial grounds.

• Loughshore Caravan Park.

• Council grounds at Mossley Mill from Carnmoney Road North, continuing along the Newtownabbey Way to the Manse Road.

The Order also extends to areas of community centre grounds and parks, including Anderson Park Play Area, Doagh; Ballyclare War Memorial Park; Ballyduff Community Centre; Ballynure War Memorial Park; The Diamond, Rathcoole; Monkstown Community Centre and playing fields; Mossley (Pavilion) Park; Sixmile Leisure Centre Conservation and Wildlife Area; Sixmile Park car park at Mill Road; Threemilewater Park Playing Fields and Whiteabbey Memorial Park.

For full details of roads and park locations where the new Order applies, log on to the council’s website - www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/dogs - or call 028 9034 0161.

Speaking about the new legislation, Alderman Agnew said: “This Dog Control Order comes into force following consultation with our residents and is designed to promote responsible dog ownership and make our roads, play areas and recreation grounds a safer and more enjoyable space for everyone.

“We are asking dog owners to be responsible and our dog wardens and park wardens will be on the ground to make sure all dog owners are aware of the new Order. The council promotes all open and recreational areas throughout the borough as shared space for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors of all ages.”

The council has stressed that anyone who is found in breach of the Dog Control Order could be issued with a fixed penalty notice, or be fined up to £1,000 on conviction.

Meanwhile, Councillor Tom Campbell has confirmed that signs erected at Hazelbank Park directing that dogs must be kept on leads were “put up in error.”

“When I contacted senior council staff I was informed that the signs had been put up by parks staff in error and that they are being removed this week. This is embarrassing but a genuine error,” the Alliance man commented.