Editor

The current online dog control consultation does not say where dog owners are supposed to exercise dogs in Gwynedd, only where they can’t exercise them.

The consultation does not inform dog owners of any proposed dog parks or areas the council will offer as an alternative or ask residents if they should provide these areas, unlike other consultations.

Nor does it say who will approve the “authorised person” to stop and question whether a dog owner has permission to use Gwynedd owned-land as well as instruct owners to leave an area or put a lead on their dog.

It seems these untrained“persons” will be able to question a disabled dog owner whether they have proof of membership of one of three approved dog charities allowing them to access a Gwynedd public open air space.

Disabled owners with other legally defined disabilities but do not have a dog with Gwynedd Council-approved charity status will be prevented from accessing the public open air space.

This seems to be discrimination and could be at risk of legal challenge.

Should we continue to keep dogs off beaches from April to October, where are dog owners supposed to go?

The best anti-fouling deterrents are CCTV, dog wardens and peer pressure, the minority who do not pick up after their dog will continue to do so when the “authorised person” is not around.

“Authorised persons” stopping and questioning disabled and elderly dog owners on a regular basis may be interpreted in future as harassment.

The National Trust has a number of beaches in Gwynedd open to dogs all year. Why can’t Gwynedd Council also define some open spaces exclusively for the use of families, the elderly and disabled with pet dogs in every village and town where they live.

By the way I do not own a dog but I know many good people who do.

This legislation will not only ban dogs from Gwynedd public areas but their owners too. We all deserve better legislation.

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