TOUGH new measures to control dogs could be just weeks away.

A series of public meetings and consultation over the proposals will take place this month.

And if the measures are backed, Kirklees Council could become one of the first councils to implement draconian measures to curb problems with dog fouling and stray dogs.

If the proposals eventually go ahead the control orders will replace existing dog legislation and respond to the high level of concern about fouling and other dog-related issues.

Though the council already fines and prosecutes people for dog-related offences, the four new proposed orders would enable easier and more effective control via fixed penalties.

The first order would make people liable for fines if they failed to immediately remove dog dirt from all land open to the public other than marshland, woodland, moorland and agricultural land.

The second order would require dogs to be on a lead of no longer than two metres in council-controlled areas such as car parks, roads and pavements, sports grounds whilst activities are under way, bowling greens, allotments and cemeteries and crematoria.

The third order would require people to put and keep dogs on leads no longer than two metres when told to by an authorised officer in Greenhead Park, Beaumont Park, Ravensknowle Park, Wilton Park and Crow Nest Park and Castle Hill Local Nature reserve.

The final order would require people to make sure their dog did not enter council maintained children’s play areas, paddling pools, multi-use games areas, skate parks, school grounds, tennis courts and ball courts.

Clr David Sheard, Joint Cabinet member for Streetscene, said: “From 2009 to 2011 the council received more than 4,200 complaints about dog fouling in the district and a further 2,000 complaints about dangerous dogs.

“The dog control order proposals already have the backing of Kirklees schools and local town and parish councils and we would now like to hear the views of the general public including dog owners.”

The orders can also be viewed on the council’s website at www.kirklees.gov.uk/dogs and consultation leaflets will also be available from Library and Information Centres.

People can give their views on the proposals by completing an online form, by email dogcontrolorders@kirklees.gov.uk or by post using the freepost address Dog Control Orders, Kirklees Council, FREEPOST HF 328, Huddersfield HD1 6DQ

THE proposals will be discussed at a series of public meetings:

March 5 – Almondbury Library and Information Centre. Staff will be present from 4pm to 7pm and there will be presentations at 4.30pm and 6.15pm.

March 6 – Cleckheaton Library and Information Centre. Staff will be present from 4pm to 7pm and there will be presentations at 5pm and 6.45pm.

March 14 – Skelmanthorpe Library and Information Centre. Staff will be present from 4pm to 6pm and there will be a presentation at 4.30pm.

The dog control orders will also be discussed at area committee meetings throughout March.