Dog owners out in force at protest walkies

The second Fylde Responsible Dog Owners Friendly Protest took place today.

With dogs on lead and poo bags in hand, the campaigners walked from St Annes Green through the dunes to Fairhaven Lake and back.

Group spokesman Ann DeRizzio, of Lightburne Avenue, St Annes, said the turnout again was excellent.

“We didn’t count, but we think it was similar to last time, or even more,” she said.

Hundreds of disgruntled dog owners took to Lytham Green in a similar march just weeks ago.

Ann added; “We just want Fylde Council to realise you don’t punish responsible dog owners because of the irresponsible few.”

Fylde Council is planning to introduce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO), which would require dogs to be kept on leads on all public highways and exclude them from various other locations, including children’s playgrounds.

Camapigners say while they agree with parts of the proposals – including cleaning up after pets and excluding dogs from children’s play areas – but believe the orders would punish responsible owners and alienate residents.

They have previously said legislation already exists to punish fouling but it is not regularly enforced.

Ann warned that if the new orders go ahead the fight does not stop there.

She said: “If it gets passed we’ll take it further - we’ll go to court.”