A north-east councillor has launched an ambitious proposal to ban dogs from all council-owned schools and play parks.
Liberal Democrat councillor Isobel Davidson has pushed through a scheme which, if approved, would prevent dog owners from bringing their animals into school grounds to collect their children and prevent them from going to youngster’s play parks.
In her submission to the council, Mrs Davidson, a self-employed wildlife consultant, said while there were signs at some school playgrounds warning of “no dogs” there was no official policy on the matter.
She has been backed by Foveran’s community council on the issue and the Scottish SPCA.
Mike Flynn, the charity’s chief superintendent, said there was a health and safety risk associated with dog excrement and young children.
“We would support a decision to prevent dogs from being exercised in school grounds or play parks,” he added.
“Dog faeces can carry dangerous toxins which can cause infection if children come into contact with it.
“This proposal would encourage responsible dog ownership and will motivate people to exercise their dogs away from playgrounds.”
But Aberdeenshire Council’s director of infrastructure services, Stephen Archer, has warned it would be “extremely difficult” to enforce any ban and that it would be “unfair” on responsible owners.
The council last looked into banning dogs in schools and enclosed parks in 2014.
Mr Archer said: “Restricting dogs in these areas was considered, but on reflection it was felt that banning dogs was not necessarily the best or most appropriate action.
“There may be some campuses with ‘no dog fouling’ signs, but this is ad hoc and there is no policy direction on this.
“The service has a policy of ‘open-access’ to its campuses and it would be extremely difficult to enforce any policy on banning dogs from certain areas.”
He added that any ban would come at a “significant” financial cost and be a “labour intensive operation”.
Last night, Mrs Davidson said she hoped the council would at least outline its policy on dogs for the public to follow.
“I want to be very specific, this isn’t about all parks – just schools and play parks,” she added.
“I’m keen for the council to share its policy because it will be useful for both councillors and dog owners to know.
“There are plenty of parks that they will still be able to go to. This won’t make a difference for some people, but some people are irresponsible dog owners.
“Dog waste is harmful to both children and adults, and when kids are coming home covered in it from just playing at the park it isn’t reasonable.”