WHARFEDALE residents are being urged to take part in a consultation about tightening Dog Control Orders.

Leeds City Council is considering adding new measures to tackle problems like dog fouling in parks and other public areas.

The consultation asks for opinions on a range of proposals including:

*Making it compulsory for dog owners to carry a waste bag while walking their pets in public places

*Extend the areas where dogs must be on a lead at all times to include a number of spots including golf clubs, the wildfowl lake at Golden Acre Park at Bramhope, and Springfield Park play area, Guiseley

*Make sites including all city council owned tennis courts and mult-use games areas dog exclusion areas

*Clarify the rules around how many dogs can be walked at one time by a professional dog walker.

Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "The vast majority of dog owners act responsibly and pick up after their pet.

"Unfortunately a small minority do not and the consultation is about pushing them to be good citizens and help protect public health."

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "We also receive lots of complaints about irresponsible owners letting dogs lose on enclosed play/sport areas, and again the consultation asks if there should be a crackdown on this.

"It also seeks to limit the number of dogs professional dog walkers are allowed to take into parks."

The questionnaire, which can be found at leeds.gov.uk/AdditionalDogControlsConsultation , also asks for views on whether or not smoking should be banned in children's play areas.

Councillor Sandy Lay (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) said: "This is also an area of concern for many residents so we would urge everyone to respond."