Douglas Borough Council is to initiate a consultation on a proposed amendment to the Douglas Dog Control Byelaws 2015.

The measure is in accordance with the Code of Practice on Consultation and will seek to gauge opinion on an amendment to the byelaws that would allow dogs onto Douglas Head with the restriction that they be on a lead and restricted to footpaths.

The requirement that dog faeces be removed would remain in force.

Council Leader Councillor David Christian MBE JP said: ‘This proposed consultation is in response to representations made to the Council that there are some dogs not under effective control that have been causing a nuisance on Douglas Head.

‘The Council has made substantial investment in the area, transforming it into a prime leisure attraction for families, with a viewing platform, barbecue and picnic areas, new seating and signage. As they stand the byelaws prohibit dogs to be at large on Douglas Head. Given the increasing popularity of Douglas Head, the Council is keen that the public’s enjoyment of this magnificent award-winning space and its amenities should not be compromised by the, thankfully small, minority of irresponsible dog owners. It also follows that responsible dog owners should be allowed access to Douglas Head and it is against this background that the Council is to go out to consultation and invite the views of members of the public, be they dog owners or otherwise.’

The current Douglas Dog Control Byelaws 2015 may be viewed at Douglas Town Hall, Ridgeway Street, the Henry Bloom Noble Library, Duke Street or online.

To express your views please write to the Town Clerk and Chief Executive, Douglas Borough Council, Town Hall, Ridgeway Street, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM99 1AD, or email enquiries@douglas.gov.im

Closing date Friday October 14 2016.