NEW restrictions on dog walking have come into force at parks and other open spaces around Wharfedale and Aireborough.

The Public Spaces Protection Order requires dogs to be kept on a lead at many locations and excludes them altogether from others, including local schools and play areas.

The 'on a lead' restriction applies to parts of many local parks including the area around the lake at Golden Acre Park, Bramhope; the Ornamental Gardens at Wharfemeadows Park, Otley; and the Japanese Garden at Horsforth Hall Park.

It is also in force at all local cemeteries and crematoriums.

The complete ban on dogs, meanwhile, will apply to sites including tennis courts, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), remembrance and wildlife gardens and some skate parks and sports pitches.

Leeds City Council says the order - which took effect on July 1 and replaces, and builds on, previous Dog Control Orders - takes 'into account the need for people, in particular children, to have access to dog free areas and also have areas where dogs are kept under strict control'.

The council adds that dog owners are now required to:

*pick up dog waste at all times - and carry a bag to do so

*keep dogs on leads in designated areas which 'includes all roads, pavements and footpaths (including gated alleyways)' next to roads

*put dogs on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer

*ensure dogs do not enter designated exclusion zones.

Dog walkers are now also restricted to walking a maximum of four dogs at a time, though professional walkers will be allowed - under certain conditions - to be in charge of up to six.

The order, which also bans smoking in children’s play areas to reduce children's exposure to second-hand smoke, has been welcomed by Councillor Colin Campbell (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon).

He said: "As a local councillor I get more complaints about irresponsible dog owners than any other issue.

"While the new regulations will have no effect on the majority of responsible dog owners it will mean that there will now be no excuse for not picking up after your dog."

Anyone caught breaching one of the regulations could be hit with a £100 fixed penalty notice or a fine of up to £1,000.

More details, including a list of the restrictions at different locations, can be found at https://www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/environmental-health/responsible-dog-ownership .