A report by the Strategic Director for Regeneration and Environment updated Members on the current legal framework, current powers, resources available and recent incidents regarding Dangerous Dogs. The Report was constructed following a question raised at the full meeting of the Council (20^th October) by Councillor Stuart Kelly.

Colin Clayton, Senior Manager, Environmental Health outlined the report to Members and gave details of further powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to control dangerous dogs or irresponsible dog ownership through the implementation of a number of measures. Members heard, powers would now include:

·  Community Protection Notices (CPNs) – A low level formal power for dealing with dog problems such as irresponsible ownership, that do not meet higher thresholds, but which pose concern for local residents and the authorities.

·  Civil Injunctions- These have replaced ASBOs and are formal court orders.

·  Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs) – This allows authorities to deal with the most serious and persistent offenders where their behaviour has brought them before a criminal court.

·  Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) – The purpose of the PSPO is to empower local authorities to deal with anti – social behaviour that adversely affects other people using the same open space.

The Senior Environmental Health Officer informed Members that the total number of complaints about dangerous dogs received by the Council’s Animal Control and Welfare Service was 345. The number of complaints had been fairly constant between 2009 and 2012 with a noticeable reduction in 2013. The year to date figures were indicative that the number of complaints for 2014 could be lower again.

A Member enquired as to whether there was any legislation in place to limit numbers of dogs to any one dog walker.

The Senior Environmental Health Officer responded by stating that there is no specific legislation to cover this, however, it only has to be proven that behaviour is having an adverse effect upon the community for powers to be served.

A Member queried paragraph 11.2 of the report stating how authorisation had been given to a wide range of suitable Officers who can enforce CPN’s or PSPO. Clarification was sought as to who these Officers should be.

It was reported that such Officers would include members of the ASBO team, Officers from Parks and Countryisde. Officers from Street Scene and Community Patrol would also receive training. The possibility of extending powers to PCSO’s had also been discussed.

A Member sought clarification as to whether the powers would be extended to residential streets.

The Legal Advisor advised that the legislation applies to all open spaces, including residential streets.

A discussion was had regarding the possibility of powers being extended to PSCO and it was suggested that Officers explore this option.

It was then moved by Councillor D Mitchell and seconded by Councillor R Gregson and

Resolved: - That Officers explore the possibility of extending powers and working alongside PSCO’s in tackling the issues of dangerous dogs

Members thanked Officers for work undertaken in constructing the report and welcomed all new powers. It was suggested that an update report be brought back to a meeting after six months to inform Members of progress.

Resolved –

(1)  That Officers explore the possibility of extending powers and working alongside PSCO’s in tackling the issues of dangerous dogs

(2)   That the report be noted