PROPOSALS to control dogs in Pendle’s parks have been agreed by the borough council in a bid to ensure they can be enjoyed by all.

The new laws, which will come into force early next year, mean that dogs will be banned from children’s play areas, multi-use games areas, bowling greens, tennis courts, ball courts and skate parks.

And dogs will have to be kept on a lead on most sports pitches in Pendle and on car parks in Pendle’s parks.

The new rules for parks follows a seven week public consultation which ended in January 2018 followed by feedback and suggestions from ten town and parish councils in Pendle over the summer.

New signs will be put up in parks in the new year to make the new legislation clear.

People found guilty of offences face a fine of up to £1,000 or a fixed penalty notice of up to £150.

Tim Horsley, Pendle Council’s community protection order co-ordinator said: “Our website flags up the Pendle wide rules for dogs which are already in place to prevent dog fouling, ensure dogs are on leads in cemeteries and are not allowed into play areas and multi use games areas.

The new order means that police officers, police community support officers, and officers from Pendle Council and Town and Parish Councils can request that dog walkers put their dogs on a lead.

“They can do this legally, if their dog is affecting the enjoyment of other park users,” added Mr Horsley.

“And the new order means that we can also challenge dog owners on entering our parks to prove that they are carrying something to clear up after their dog.

“They must be prepared."

Cllr Paul White, leader of the council, said: “The new legislation is designed to cut down on the anti-social behaviour of some dog owners who have affected the enjoyment of other park users.

“We are striking a balance between minimising restrictions on dog walkers whilst creating some areas where dogs either cannot go, or must be on a lead.

“This new Public Spaces Protections Order will be easier to enforce than the old parks byelaws and introduce some new restrictions on dogs in key areas of our parks.

“They will help us to tackle anti-social behaviour from some inconsiderate dog walkers.

“It will also save time because we’ll be able to issue fines called fixed penalty notices instead of prosecuting people through the courts."

The new legislation does not apply to guide dogs and hearing dogs and any dogs which are assistance dogs to people with a disability.

The council’s policy and resources committee agreed to the new legislation last week.