No Dog Ban in the Vale of Glamorgan Parks

Both these parks are well used all year round by Vale residents and their dogs in the pursuit of a healthy, happy and active life. A ban on dogs in these parks would have a wide reaching knock on effect, not just on public health, but also on the income of the associated coffee shop businesses which rely on trade year round from dog walkers. There would also be a drop in the prices of real estate in the local area as green leisure areas for the enjoyment of all is a major selling point.

The Vale of Glamorgan has quite rightly set standards regarding dog owners cleaning up after their dogs and keeping our community safe for all. However, in their frustration at having no clear way to enforce or police these standards, they are going in heavy handed. A ban on dogs in these public spaces would be punishing many good and responsible people, rather than just the few who offend. It would be an erosion of our community resources, and would stand in the way of our gentle enjoyment of the amenities.

We as dog owners have surrendered our enjoyment of many local beaches during the summer months. Any ban on green spaces based on the actions of a few offenders would be untenable.