Residents, visitors and organisations in North Dorset, including Gillingham and Shaftebury, are being invited to have their say about rules concerning dogs.

People are being asked what they think about dogs in public places, like parks, and also when they should be on a lead.

After considering people’s views, North Dorset District Council will produce a new dog related Public Spaces Protection Order, as reported in November’s Gillingham & Shaftesbury News.

Councillor Andrew Kerby, Community Safety and Wellbeing Portfolio Holder at North Dorset District Council, said: ‘We would like to hear your views on how dogs should be managed in public places in North Dorset. We will then try to strike a balance to suit the interests of all.

‘I would like to urge everyone, dog owners and non-dog owners, to complete the survey online, it is very easy and only takes about five minutes. Your views count so please do have a say.

‘North Dorset District Council encourages responsible dog ownership. Most owners are very responsible, unfortunately a small minority who do not clear-up after their dogs do cause a problem.’

The survey is available online here: dorsetforyou.com/your-say-dogs-north.

Copies are also available in North Dorset libraries and the district council’s Nordon office.

The district council has to consult on current dog related orders and proposed changes under the new Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It is required to consult on these orders every three years to ensure the public’s views are considered.

The survey begins on 1 December and will run until 2 March 2018.