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Mike Weatherley speaks out on dogs 'ban' There
have been a lot of comments made about Brighton and Hove City Council’s
announcement of plans to ban dogs from every beach.
I share dog owners’ frustration at the prospect of their faithful
friends having yet another restriction put on them.
When so many places already turn dogs away soon they will have no
where to go – and I think most of the public would accept that there are
many beaches that already ban dogs and will ask whether this is one
restriction too far. Dogs
that are allowed to run free must be supervised by responsible owners. And
by far the majority of dog owners are responsible.
They clean up after their dogs and make sure the dog does not
interfere with anyone else. And
of course, taking a dog for a walk is fantastic exercise for many of us as
well. Dogs are invaluable to the elderly and disabled who don’t always
have transport to take their faithful friend for walks out of town.
I
am pleased that residents of the city are being asked for their views and
that is the right approach. Consultation before any decision made. Rather
than ban the dogs I would much rather see existing by-laws enforced
better. So that irresponsible
dog owners do not ruin it for others. 10 April 2008
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