ePetition - Do not ban dogs from Queens Park
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ePetition details
Do not ban dogs from Queens Park
Following public consultation the Dog Control Order came into
force in January 2009. This Order gives dog walkers the same access
rights as other people for the majority of parks and public spaces
in Brighton and Hove. This was welcomed by the community who live
around and utilise Queens Park, as it is an important area for
local people to meet and exercise their dogs.
The historic ‘dog friendly’ area in the park is small
and its proximity to the road has caused a number of road accidents
in which some dogs have been fatally injured. This also constitutes
a danger to drivers and their passengers.
Parents who are dog owners have mentioned how difficult it was to walk both children and dogs in Queens Park. As dogs previously weren't allowed into most of the park, this led to overcrowding in the historic dog friendly area when the rest of the park was often empty.
As dog walkers use most parks and public spaces in the UK without problems or difficulties we would like dog walkers to retain access to all areas of Queens Park excluding the childrens’ play area.
However we would like to suggest that dogs should be kept on a
lead in the vicinity of the lake.
This ePetition ran from 07/04/2010 to 14/07/2010 and has now finished.
68 people signed this ePetition.
Council response
The Cabinet Member for Environment gave the following response on 26 July 2010:
“The original Dog Control Order was made following the Environment Committee meeting on 7 June 2007, Cabinet meeting on 12 June 2008, and a Notice of Motion at Full Council on 17 July 2008. All Members were fully aware of the changes to dog control. The purpose of the new Dog Control Order was to provide a consistent, clear, fair, enforceable, framework of rules for dog control.
There have been two petitions and a deputation at Council. The Friends of Queens Park have requested a return to Southern Lawns being dog free. A second petition supported the current set of rules. The deputation to Full Council on 15 July has also been passed to this meeting, explaining that the 1900 signatory petition has the support of the local MP, councillors, schools and community groups.
I would have preferred a consensus before I determine the best course of action and I appreciate this subject attracts strong and opposing views. On balance, in view of the number and range of people supporting a change, I believe that it is in the best interests of the public to call for officers to start the statutory consultation process proposing that the Southern Lawns return to their dog free status.”