A KENNEL Club campaign group is calling on dog walkers to make their views heard about Bournemouth council proposals to place restrictions on dogs in public places.

The council is consulting on proposals which require owners to clean up dog mess, keep dogs on a lead in specified areas at all times, prohibit dogs from specified areas at all times and put a dog on the lead if directed to by an authorised officer.

KC Dog, the name given to the campaign, saysthat dog control orders are becoming more common as councils attempt to find ways to rein in irresponsible dog owners but warned it was resulting in responsible dog owners being unfairly penalised.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club spokesperson, said: “Whilst the Kennel Club does not oppose the use of dog control orders in certain situations such as the exclusion of dogs from children’s play areas, we believe that proactive methods should be favoured over restrictions and that limits should never be disproportionate to the problems faced.

“Frequently public consultations come and go without most of the public knowing about them or having a chance to have their say.

“We are therefore encouraged that Bournemouth Borough Council has been proactive in seeking our advice on this matter and hope that attempts to engage with dog walkers will result in the fairest outcome for all.”

A full list of proposals for the Bournemouth dog control orders can be viewed at bournemouth.gov.uk/parks Representations should be submitted to the Parks Team on 01202 451673 or email parks@bournemouth.gov.uk.

The consultation findings will be presented to the Council’s Cabinet in April and if approved, dog control orders would come into effect from May 17.

To join the KC Dog Campaign visit thekennelclub.org.uk/kcdog