I WOULD like to reassure Tim Weir who writes of his concerns about out-of-control dogs and the legal responsibilities of dog owners.

Bournemouth Borough Council is proposing to introduce a new bylaw to give the police and council enforcement officers the power to request that dog owners put their dog on a lead if they are out of control and causing alarm and distress to the public. This is a power that we currently do not have and we believe it is a step in the right direction that will help the police and council deal with troublesome dogs and irresponsible owners.

We are in the consultation period now and will go to cabinet for approval in April.

We hope this new bylaw will come into effect from May 17 this year. It will be a criminal offence to breach the new orders – conviction in court can result in a fine of up to £1,000 or an owner can choose to pay a fixed penalty of £50 to avoid prosecution. To view the full proposals please visit <&bh"http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/parks">bournemouth.gov.uk/parks<&eh> People can contact us on 01202 451629 if they have any questions about the proposed new byelaw. If members of the public have witnessed an out of control dog they should report it to the dog warden on 01202 451306 (in office hours).

CHRIS WYNNE, Community Parks Officer