Dogs allowed off lead in Quarry

Borough councillors gave the go-ahead to allow dog owners to let their pets off the lead in Shrewsbury's Quarry Park. The decision was made at a meeting of the full council last night.

Members backed previously approved amended versions of the new dog control orders made by the authority's cabinet.

It now means pet owners will be allowed to let their pets off the lead in the Quarry Park - excluding the Dingle.

Other places where dogs would need to be on a lead include all public roads, carriageways and their adjoining pavements and verges.

Churchyards and cemeteries, school playing fields and places classed as allotments are also covered by the order. The order was one of four that councillors approved at the meeting.

Councillor Danny Moore told the meeting that he had been approached by a number of people who were concerned about how the new orders would affect them.

But Councillor Judith Williams, portfolio holder, said there were certain exemptions for working dogs and the police.

Under the orders, if a dog is causing a nuisance, or in the interests of public safety, owners can be asked to put their dog on a lead in certain named parks and open spaces. The dogs would need to be kept on a lead for the duration of their stay.

The council hopes to have the orders implemented by the end of the year.