New Forest District Council cabinet member Cllr Diane Andrews pledges Public Spaces Protection Order will not ban off-lead dog walking

A GUARANTEE by a top councillor that there will be no ban on dogs being walked off leads in the New Forest has been welcomed by owners.

Cllr Diane Andrews, in charge of planning, regeneration and infrastructure in New Forest District Council's ruling cabinet, said she could "confirm categorically" that any new regulations will only target owners who do not have their dogs under control.

She stressed: "We will not seek to stop off-lead dog walking."

Cllr Andrews made the promise at the latest NFDC full meeting after Cllr Keith Craze highlighted fresh rules had been requested by the New Forest Recreation Management Steering Group, made up of local organisations including the national park, verderers and the county council.

It has pushed NFDC make a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to help tackle nuisance activities on the open Forest, such as livestock feeding, fire lighting, barbecues and out of control dogs.

They can be enforced by any "authorised officer", such as specially designated council staff or police.

Cllr Andrews said NFDC had been in discussions with other local authorities and Forestry England to learn more about what PSPOs entailed.

She said: "It is crucial there is a full understanding of the resources needed to manage any PSPOs and a full understanding of the measures that need to be in place once a PSPO is served."

She warned PSPOs would not achieve their outcomes if there were not adequate resources to fulfil it.

Cllr Andrews added she was "happy with the progress made so far" and said she looked forward to updating members in the New Year.

As reported in the A&T, earlier this year, the verderers called for a bylaw to be passed to require dog owners to walk their pets on a lead in the New Forest during the ground-nesting bird season.

However, the the New Forest Dog Owner's Group (NFDOG) had suggested altering the rules would be unfair to the vast majority of responsible pet owners and pledged to oppose any change.

In response to the latest news, NFDOG chair Heather Gould said: "The freedom to walk in the Forest is at the heart of the New Forest Dog Owners Group and its 1,200 members, and this pledge is very welcome.

"Our positive relationships with the district council, the national park, verderers, and others is key to maintaining these freedoms.

"But we should always remember that this is reliant on good behaviour and responsible ownership, especially around other animals, but also clearing up after our pets and being respectful to others.

"NFDOG continues to work with its partners to achieve this, and to maintain the highest welfare standards for our dogs."