A local authority is advocating for dog owners to keep their dogs on a leash at a renowned beach in Northern Ireland.
The Ards and North Down Borough Council is trying out new signs along Ballyholme Promenade in Bangor, Northern Ireland, in order to remind dog owners to keep their pets on a lead in specific areas. The council has had a dogs-on-lead order in place since 2013 and hopes the new signage will improve awareness and adherence to the rule.
The council hopes that the campaign will lead to a decrease in dog fouling in the area, and has also announced an increase in fines for dog fouling to £200 from June 1st.
The council spokesperson highlighted that having dogs on a lead will help owners to notice when their pets poop and dispose of it properly.
The council has also marked the areas where the order is in place and will be erecting signage to remind users that dogs must be on a lead.
Failure to comply with the order can result in a fixed penalty fine of up to £80, and from June 1, dog fouling fines will increase to £200 in Ards and North Down.
Read More: BelfastLive