Problems with dog control

I have had a dog for most of my life and I always keep my dog on a lead in parks and open spaces. This is because I respect other people’s right to enjoy these places safely and freely.

Be it Lurgan Park, Craigavon Lakes or Oxford Island, dogs are allowed to wander free from their owners.

I have encountered problems with some dog owners who have been unable to control their dogs when off their lead, which makes me feel quite nervous when a dog approaches.

Numerous incidents have been reported in the Lurgan Mail regarding dog control, one being when a father and son were playing with a ball and a large dog without a lead came, took the ball and burst it. This left the child traumatised. The most recent incident was caused by a dog injuring a volunteer tandem cyclist which resulted in the gentleman requiring hospital treatment and an operation.

Craigavon Borough Council have stated to me in an email the following: “The control of dogs in our parks and open spaces is governed by byelaws, which state that dogs have to be kept under control. This, however, does not mean on a leash. To whistle or issue a voice command to a dog would be deemed under control.”

What is it going to take before a law is enforced that all dogs must be kept on leads? Does a dog have to be savaged, a child mauled or even worse?