The CEO of a regional authority has actually cautioned versus pressure from councillors to enable animals at council occasions for worry of “dog mauls child” headings.
Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) members raised interest in the present restriction on dogs at council occasions, mentioning their understanding that the policy was never ever concurred in chambers.
During a prolonged argument, the chamber heard contrasts of recent health and wellness suggestions going too far with council representatives formerly being cautioned about “plane crashes” in the city.
Read more: Dog attacks: Almost 2,000 attacks on people and pets recorded in Northern Ireland in 18 months.
Lisburn South DUP councillor Andrew Ewing said: “I have actually gotten a variety of grievances from citizens that just guide dogs are permitted at this time to occasions in the council location.
“Dogs can improve lives and all dog fans like to have their dog with them at occasions. As a council needs to we not be doing more to examine our policy to be a more dog friendly one.
“This council has first class events of which I attend almost all of them, but they should be more inclusive, dog owners want to feel welcome. Allowing pet dogs, it would also attract more people to our events. We should be doing more for our furry friends.”
Highlighting the issues of the council management, CEO David Burns reacted: “There would be safety issues and insurance coverage matters to think about.
“In a recent report it has actually been revealed that there were 87 dog attacks in a 9 month duration in the council location, that is almost 10 a month. There is a genuine threat to kids.
“The proof for a possible attack on a kid does not require to be revealed within our own council, however might be other parts of the UK and undoubtedly the world for that matter.
“I would rather 20 call from individuals experiencing not having the ability to bring their dog to an occasion instead of the heading ‘Dog mauls child at council run event’. I wouldn’t wish to put any kid at threat.
“This decision could not be decided by members off the cuff. We have to check legally where the responsibility is. It it will not be ready by the next committee meeting, though we will take on a review.”
The health and wellness threat was questioned in the chamber with council management charged to reside in “the real world”.
Downshire West DUP councillor Uel Mackin cautioned: “We have actually entered into a nonsense location. Something has actually altered (dog policy) and we don’t understand why. We speak with droop (Safety Advisory Group), they formerly informed us we require to be cautious entering into the city in case an aircraft crashes on us as we were close to the airport.
“Most people live in the real world where accidents occur. We need to be very careful of the language we use and the image that we portray. Are we telling people, we are doing a review, but your dog and you are not welcome?”
Downshire West DUP Alderman, Allan Ewart included: “I fear we are using a sledge hammer to crack a nut. We as councillors make the policy, not the officers. The press will have a field day when they have this story.”
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