Ramsey’s dog byelaws have been discussed following a request from a ratepayer who asked the commissioners to consider introducing a requirement that dogs be kept on a leash at all times in public places.

The correspondent was concerned that despite dogs being required to be under control, they were often allowed to roam out of sight and could defecate without their owner being aware.

Special reference was made to Poyll Dooey, which she said suffers from fouling with owners failing to clean up after their dogs, which was not only unpleasant and unhygienic, but incompatible with its status as a nature reserve.

Ramsey Commissioners clerk Peter Whiteway pointed out that recent Douglas dog byelaws do contain a provision whereby dogs are prohibited from specified open spaces unless on a lead and restricted to footpaths.

Ramsey could, potentially, follow suit.

Julia Wedgwood said: ’I think a problem arises when people have more than one dog with them.

’You cannot possibly watch and clean up after, say, four dogs.’

Billy Hankin added: ’A lot of people are taking their dogs out early in the morning before going to work when there’s no-one about to report them.’

Alby Oldham suggested employing the town warden for more hours, in order to catch the culprits.

’It would cost more, but the fines would cover the extra expense’, he said.

In general, members felt the current byelaws were adequate, but would be more effective if people were prepared to come forward and report instances of the byelaws being breached. It was agreed to look at introducing a new public awareness campaign to remind dog owners of their responsibilities.