A regional council is making a push to have dog owners keep their animals on a leash at one of Northern Ireland’s most popular beaches.
Ards and North Down Borough Council is trialling brand-new signs along Ballyholme Promenade in Bangor to “advise” dog owners of the requirement to keep their animals on a lead in designated locations. It is hoped the signs will increase awareness and compliance of a dogs-on-lead order that has actually been in force considering that 2013.
The council is wishing to minimize the quantity of dog fouling in the location with the brand-new campaign. From June 1 dog fouling fines will increase to £200 in Ards and North Down, lowered to £150 if paid within 2 week.
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An agent from the council said: “Dog fouling has actually been a relentless issue in the location. By having dogs on a lead, owners are most likely to discover when their animals poop, and this motivates them to choose it up and get rid of it effectively.
“In addition, dogs running totally free on the course might lead to injuries, especially in locations where there is a drop to the beach. For the safety of all users, it is important that dogs are kept a lead on the course.
“Dogs need to be on a lead on the sidewalk however they can run easily on the beach location. To prevent confusion, the course has actually been marked to reveal the locations where the order remains in location, and signs will be set up to advise users that dogs need to be on a lead.
“Failure to keep a dog on a lead on this course and at other designated dog-on-lead locations can lead to a repaired charge fine of as much as £80. The council advises all dog owners to take duty for their animals, keep them on a lead in designated locations, and get their poop to minimize the danger to health.
“This will help to keep Ballyholme Promenade and other locations in our district a safe and enjoyable environment for everybody.”
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