A NEW by-law forcing people to put badly behaved dogs on a leash is proposed for Bournemouth.

Anyone breaching the law can get a fine up to £1,000 or can pay a fixed penalty of £50 to avoid prosecution.

The council came up with the idea after a consultation of 500 people.

Residents have until the end of March to comment on the proposal and it could be law by May 17.

Both police and council enforcement officers would have the power to enforce it.

They can act if the dog is causing “alarm or distress” and the law would apply across the borough.

The council is also proposing to renew existing by-laws that make people clean up dog fouling, dog exclusion areas, and areas where dogs must be on a lead at all times.

Cllr Rod Cooper, cabinet member for tourism, said: “We have tried to balance the interests of dog owners with the need for dogs to be kept under stricter control in some areas and for people – particularly children – to have access to dog-free areas.”

The laws are also being extended to new sites including children’s play areas, enclosed ball courts, formal gardens and grazing paddocks.

To view the full proposals visit www.bournemouth.gov.uk/parks. Comment by calling 01202 451673 or email parks@bournemouth.gov.uk. The proposed by-laws will go before the cabinet in April.

Earmarked for special zones

EXTRA proposed dog exclusion zones area: Fisherman’s Walk Putting Green & Crazy Golf (on cliff top); Fisherman’s Walk children’s playground (on cliff top); Grazing Paddock (as indicated by a sign at high risk periods); Homeside Wood (badger set); Kings Park skate park; Knyveton Gardens enclosed ball court/tennis court; Littledown Valley children’s playgrounds; Moore Avenue enclosed ball court; Paddington Grove children’s playground; Redhill children’s playground; Redhill Park enclosed ball courts; Shelley Park enclosed ball courts; Springbourne Pocket Park; Slades Farm skate park; Bournemouth Cycling Centre (Slades Farm); Swanmore Gardens enclosed ball courts; Victoria Park; and Winton Library gardens (for play area).

EXTRA proposed areas where dogs must be on a lead at all times: Boscombe Formal and Edwardian Gardens at Seaward End; Fisherman’s Walk Pond and Formal Garden, Hengistbury Head; Grazing Paddock, Kinson common Grazing Paddock.