To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what consultation process will be undertaken by local authorities prior to the introduction of dog control orders; (153338)

Although Dog Control Orders do not need confirmation by the Secretary of State, local authorities can only introduce them after completing the procedure prescribed in the Dog Control Order (Procedures) Regulations 2006. The procedure includes a period of local consultation and notification in the local press. This gives dog owners and local residents the opportunity to make representations to the local authority on the proposed controls.

In our guidance to local authorities on this issue, we have strongly advised them to consider any representations prior to making Dog Control Orders. Authorities should also provide details of alternative areas in the vicinity where owners can exercise their dogs. Failure to take into consideration the views of the local community could lead to the Order being challenged in the courts.

My Department does not hold central records of Dog Control Orders made, neither have we consulted with KC Dog, a group set up by the Kennel Club, on maintenance of such records.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what obligations local authorities are under to consult local access forums prior to the introduction of dog control orders. (153339)

When a local authority is considering making a Dog Control Order that would affect open access land (land subject to Part 1 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000), it must consult the appropriate access authority, the relevant authority, Forestry Commission or Natural England and, if it is not also the access authority, the local access forum.

There are already comprehensive dog control provisions which may be applied to access land including, if necessary, the banning of dogs. An authority should therefore pay particular attention to the views of these bodies in deciding whether any proposed order affecting open access land is necessary.

Guidance on making Dog Control Orders under powers enacted under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 has been issued to all local authorities and is available from the DEFRA website.