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- the area must have been 'designated' for the purposes of the Act - and that means just about everywhere which is 'open to the air' except agricultural and woodland areas, marshes and the like, footways and paths running alongside roads where the speed limits exceed 40 miles per hour, and most commons - which will have their own byelaws on the subject. Land which is covered is treated as being open to the air if it is open on at least one side. Members of Parliament often attend at fetes and other gatherings under tents.
NOT GUILTY?
You will have a defence if
- you are a registered blind person. Fair enough.
- you have a reasonable excuse. What?
- you can show that some other person was in charge of the dog. The other cops it!
- the owner of the land has consented. Who would?
THE STING IN THE TAIL
The lesson is, no scoop no dog. This Act has teeth and you will get bitten sooner or later if you ignore it. Dog Wardens are on the prowl, but it is not being collared by the long arm of the law alone for which you have to watch out. You will get a flea in the ear from your neighbours. We all have a civic duty not to harm the environment or the health of others. Society as a whole is getting quite keen on that. If you transgress you may not be caught but you and your dog will get a bad name. We all love dogs, but we hate the sight and smell of droppings on pavements, in parks and in other places we tramp. And when you get it on your shoe……..!!!
Neville Hogan - Davies Brown, Solictors, 2A Strathmore Road
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