“DOGS UNLEASHED” MISINFORMATION IS DISAPPOINTING - HUMPHREYS

STATEMENT BY CLLR RICHARD HUMPHREYS

Labour Party Councillor for Stillorgan

Tuesday, 17 January 2012

DOGS UNLEASHED MISINFORMATION IS DISAPPOINTING - HUMPHREYS

Cllr Richard Humphreys, the Labour Party Councillor for the Stillorgan Ward, has described as unhelpful and as misleading to the public statements by the Dogs Unleashed group which suggest that “no concessions” to dog owners are being made in proposed new beach bye-laws.

“There needs to be a balance in our beach and park bye-laws between the rights of dog owners and indeed the welfare of their dogs, and the rights of all other users of public spaces.” Humphreys said.  “While I cherish the role of dogs as companion animals for many of our citizens, there are also many dogs that are not under proper control.  Over 100 complaints were received in 2011 by the Council in relation to unleashed dogs, dog attacks or dog waste.  Dog waste left by dogs that are not under proper control can cause serious diseases particularly in children.  These facts cannot be ignored by the Council.”

“In that context the Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Manager has proposed amendments to the Council’s existing beach bye-laws which would give greater freedom – but not of course complete freedom – to dog owners who wish to use beaches.  I am disappointed and surprised that the “Dogs Unleashed” group has responded to these amendments by a completely misleading characterisation of the bye-laws.”

“Misleading the public is not acceptable and the fact that it is being done by a vocal lobby group is no excuse.  The people are entitled to a fair and factual account of the bye-laws, and Dogs Unleashed has instead chosen to given an unfair account, which is a pity.” Humphreys said.

In emails to councillors, Dogs Unleashed stated that the new proposed bye-laws 'to our extreme disappointment, grant no concessions to dog owners and walkers, unless, to offer one example, getting up early and/or walking in the dark during the winter months of the year is considered to be a concession'.

“However the facts make clear that changes of substance are being proposed.  The existing Beach Bye Laws adopted in 2009 do not allow a person to take a dog onto any beach during the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. during June to September.  At all other times dogs have to be kept on a leash.”

“The Manager has made clear that the new draft Bye Laws propose that dogs will not be allowed on the beach in the designated bathing/lifeguard control areas at Sandycove and Seapoint all year round and on the designated bathing/lifeguard control areas of Killiney Beach during the hours 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. May to September.   With the exception of Sandycove there is significant scope under the new Bye-Laws for owners to walk their dogs on Council beaches outside the designated bathing areas and on the entire Killiney Beach from October to April.  The new draft Bye-Laws also state that dogs should be kept on a leash during the hours of 10.00 a.m. to 7.00 p.m.  Outside of these hours dogs are allowed off leash, which is a significant change from the current approved Bye-Laws.”

“To suggest that the new bye laws make “no concessions” to dog owners is demonstrably and patently incorrect.” Humphreys said.

Ends