A SCHEME promoting responsible dog ownership has been launched in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd.

The LEAD (Local Environmental Awareness on Dogs) initiative aims to encourage responsible dog ownership of all breeds of a dog.

The scheme is a police-led initiative founded by the Metropolitan Police in the London borough of Sutton, which provides advice to the public on dog issues, improving dog safety and dog welfare. It also deals with anti-social and inconsiderate behaviour by people with dogs in a way that protects and reassures the public.

Working in partnership with the six local authorities, officers from the North Wales Police Dog Section will help promote the scheme, which is aimed at all dog owners across the region whether in private or rented accommodation, through engagement with dog owners during regular patrols and through day-to-day contact with owners of dogs that come to the attention of the police.

PC Gordon Topps, who is running the LEAD initiative on behalf of the North Wales Police Dog Section said: “Our annual surveys of residents highlight that issues concerning dogs, such as nuisance dogs and dog fouling, are high on their list of concerns. The LEAD scheme is aimed at tackling these concerns.

“It is important people understand owning a dog is a responsible business. We have worked hard educating people about the laws involving keeping dogs under control in public places and areas where they could potentially come into contact with people, we now need them to understand the powers we can use under the new anti-social behaviour legislation to ensure responsible dog ownership is maintained.

“In our day-to-day police work, we are now recording all incidents involving negative dog behaviour including dog attacks on people and animals, dog welfare and dog fouling. This is important to create a documented history should enforcement be necessary.

“We are also encouraging owners (if a social housing resident) to register their dog with their landlord and are also helping to promote free dog micro-chipping across north Wales, which will become a legal requirement by April, 2016.”

As well as encouraging responsible dog ownership and giving advice, there are times when it is necessary for police to intervene, initiate control measures and ultimately prosecute offenders.

Police intervention will take place when dogs are used by owners to commit crime, are linked with anti-social behaviour or are prohibited types/breeds.

“If this is not adhered to, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts, Community Protection Notices, Criminal Behaviour Orders or Contingent Destruction Orders on conviction under the Dangerous Dogs Act will all be considered. However these orders can be sought at any time during the process.”

Anybody who would like to find out more about the scheme can contact the North Wales Police Dog Section via 101.