DOG-lovers are orchestrating a campaign against plans for new dog zones in Huntingdonshire s parks and open spaces. The zones will replace existing by-laws, preventing dogs being let off leads or banning them from parts of certain green spaces. As reporte

DOG-lovers are orchestrating a campaign against plans for new dog zones in Huntingdonshire's parks and open spaces.

The zones will replace existing by-laws, preventing dogs being let off leads or banning them from parts of certain green spaces.

As reported in The Hunts Post two weeks ago, the Kennel Club was urging dog owners to make sure they take part in the dog zones consultation, which HDC is running.

And now Wood Green Animal Shelters has placed copies of The Hunts Post article at its site in Godmanchester, urging visitors to write to the newspaper.

The Kennel Club believes dog owners must speak up to protect their rights and freedoms. HDC says the dog control orders simply allow them to replace existing by-laws and will not change the rules.

The zone plan has found favour and criticism on The Hunts Post letters pages (see Pages 6/7), and has backing from St Neots Town Council.

At a council meeting last week, councillors voted to support the new zones in St Neots.

Councillor Paul Ursell said: "I am a dog owner but there are two things I hate - dogs running up to you and jumping up at you, and dog mess being left on the floor."

Councillors asked for the children's playgrounds in St Neots to be added.

The new laws will be available to HDC under Section 55 of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, and could be more strictly enforced. Breaking the laws could see dog owners facing a £75 on the spot fine (£50 if paid within 10 days).

INFORMATION: For more information, including maps of proposed dog exclusion zones or to take part in the consultation, you can visit www.huntsdc.gov.uk and type 'dog control orders' into the search box. You can also send your views to editor@huntspost.co.uk