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NOTE This was an April Fools Story -
Many Newry dog owners will have to review their daily walking route from this week, following a decision to restrict access to their canine companions on several popular local routes.
Plans have been in the pipeline for several months, but the Dog Free Zone legislation only comes into force from today, Easter Monday 1 April. The three routes initially affected are Buttercrane Quay/ Merchants Quay Walkway, Newry Canal Towpath and the Ramparts Embankment at Greenbank.
It seems that a recent rise in dog fouling, coupled with incidents involving a number of dogs not on leads has been the catalyst for what many would see as a rather extreme measure. The Carlingford Lough Greenway escapes the enforcements due to it being a cross-border route.
An enforcement service similar to the current 'red coat' traffic wardens will operate on a frequent basis during daylight hours, seven days a week. The wardens will issue a penalty fine to anyone not complying with the regulations. There will be a grace period from 1 April to 1 May where penalty notices won't be issued, instead a verbal a warning will be given. After this anyone found walking a dog in any of the zones will receive a £60 spot fine, rising to £100 if not paid within 30 days. Assistance dogs are exempt.
Enforcement agency Plar-Folio based in England are specialists in a wide variety of sectors with many local councils employing them.
The new zones have been met with mixed reaction from locals. A dog lover from Dublin Road who often walks their Labradoodle along Merchants Quay is outraged. Sally (not her real name) has suggested what she would like to do to the enforcers. Unfortunately Newry.ie can't print her reaction but it could be summed up as 'How dare these people tell me where I can or can't walk Squirt.'
Susan Doyle from The Meadow thinks they are barking up the wrong tree "They're spoiling things for 99.9% of dog owners who look after their dogs properly and pick up any poo. It's those heading down the paths on bicycles and scooters that should be fined."
Carnacat resident Paul Ryan believes that while it might seem harsh, it's all for the best. "I don't have anything against dogs or even their owners but on several days after returning from my morning walk I've got a terrible skinful from my wife after leaving a smelly deposit on the new carpet in the living room, through no fault of my own. Hopefully the new regulations will mean a simpler life for me."
Depending on the success of the scheme other areas may be considered later in the year.
