Eastbourne Borough Council bosses say they want to encourage people to look after their dogs in public places, clean up after them and make sure their pets aren't bothering other walkers.

The orders, created under the provisions of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, cover four different offences which are:

• Failing to keep a dog on a lead in designated areas.

• Failing to remove dog faeces.

• Permitting a dog to enter land from where it is banned.

• Failing to put and keep a dog on a lead, when directed to do so.

The control orders replace the existing dog bye-laws. The additional provisions that have been made are as follows:

• The area covered by the dog fouling law has been extended to include the downland estate.

• More dogs must now be kept on leads when walking in the cemetery at Ocklynge and the grounds of the crematorium and cemetery in Langney.

There is also a new order which allows designated council officers to request that owners place and keep their dogs on a lead if instructed to do so.

This order applies to all the areas not already covered by the dogs on leads and dog ban orders, and will only be used if it is felt that a dog is not being kept under proper control.

This does not mean that dogs must be kept on leads at all times in the areas covered by the order, only if asked to do so.

Any person who commits an offence under these new rules would be liable to prosecution or may be served with a fixed penalty notice of £75.

"The council would therefore like to use this opportunity to remind people to continue to walk their dogs in a responsible manner and ensure the control orders are adhered to at all times," said a council spokesman.

"The measures in the dog control orders were decided after a good response to the consultation on the issue, from residents and organisations like the Kennel Club."

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Spokesperson for housing, health and community services Councillor Margaret Bannister added, "We want our local environment to be somewhere everyone, including dog owners and their pets, can enjoy.

"The vast majority of dog owners are responsible and have nothing to fear from these measures.

"However, anyone who allows their dog to foul the pavement, or create a nuisance, could be asked to pick up after it or bring them under control.

"If they refuse to cooperate they could receive a fine. In order to further assist in improving the environment, the council recently approved additional expenditure for up to 50 new dog bins, to be sited in areas where the greatest need is identified, over the next year."

Information on the specific areas covered by the orders can be found on the council's website at www.eastbourne.gov.uk/dogs

Alternatively a map of the town and copies of the notices can be viewed at the council offices at 1 Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4TW.

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