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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
National
Stuart Pike

This couple own seven dogs but their council has banned people from walking more than five at once

A couple who own seven dogs have described a ban on walking more than five at once as 'unfair'.

Dog-owners in Rossendale can now be given a £75 fine if they are caught breaching the new limits.

The ban was introduced earlier this month - alongside a requirement that all dog owners carry poop bags - in a bid to crack down on dog fouling.

But Carolyn Sheridan and partner David Tomlinson, who own five collies and two schnauzers, fear the ban will penalise responsible multiple dog owners and dog walking businesses.

David Tomlinson and the couple's seven dogs (rossendale free press)

Carolyn said: "From my point of view it’s very frustrating. All my dogs are trained and if I see anyone coming I put them straight on a lead.

"We nearly always walk all of the dogs together unless one of them is ill.

"It’s a shame we will be penalised and not be able to walk them all at once.

Carolyn Sheridan and David Tomlinson say the new dog walking limits are 'unfair' (rossendale free press)

"They’re very well-behaved and one of them even comes back with rubbish. They are all well-trained; there’s no way I could have that many dogs if I hadn’t trained them.

"It’s about being sensible, that’s all."

Carolyn, from Bacup, says they tend to walk their dogs in quiet parts of the Valley countryside, over Lobden and also the quarry.

She added: "If somebody has got over five dogs and they’re out of control they shouldn’t have five dogs in the first place. I’ve always got about 50 poo bags. It tends to be the ones who sneak out at midnight with one dog and no poo bag."

In a statement Rossendale council said a range of Public Space Protection Orders would give them more powers to deal more effectively with 'irresponsible dog owners'. They include such things as not picking up dog mess, not carrying poo bags and not putting dogs on a lead when instructed to by an authorised officer.

Coun Steve Hughes, cabinet member for communities, said: "Our borough is dog-friendly and we want everyone to enjoy our wonderful parks and public spaces. Most dog owners are responsible and dog walkers add to the variety of any park.

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"But unfortunately a minority spoil it for everyone. Dog fouling is a constant issue which residents are fed up of and these orders give us powers to tackle the selfish few who thoughtlessly do not control their dogs and inflict misery on others. Most responsible dog owners will agree that these new powers will help with the issues created by the irresponsible few."

An enforcement review is planned for October.

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