New rules could fine Middleton Park dog walkers for letting pets off lead near lake

The lake could be added to the specified areas in Leeds where dog walkers must keep their pets on a lead, or face a £100 fine.

Leeds City Council has launched a public consultation to revise a current Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which currently bans dogs running free in several gardens and golf courses in the city.

This includes the ornamental gardens at Lotherton Hall, Golden Acre Park, Horsforth Hall Park, Wharfe Meadows Park, Otley, The Hollies, Temple Newsam and Roundhay Park.

If the new rules are put in place, the restricted area in Middleton Park will cover the path immediately around the lake in an effort to stop dog attacks on swans and other wildfowl.

It comes after the council has received a number of complaints about such attacks.

The public consultation reads: "In recent years, complaints have been received in relation to dogs chasing wildfowl close to the lake and advisory signage has been put in place requesting dog owners to keep their dogs under control.

"However, complaints have continued."

If the requirement comes into action, it will only cover the area immediately around the lake, and dogs will be permitted to exercise off the lead in other areas of Middleton Park.

Dogs could also be banned from several new children's playgrounds in Leeds under the proposal.

Under current rules, dogs are excluded from children's play areas across the city to prevent problems with fouling in the playgrounds.

There have been five new children's playgrounds built since the PSPO was introduced and the council is proposing to ban dogs from the sites.

The new sites are Westfield Avenue, Yeadon; Embletons, Methley; Hartley Avenue, LS6; Stonegate Road, Moortown; and the second playground in Roundhay Park (Lakeside and Soldiers Field).

The public are being asked whether they agree that dogs should be banned from these playgrounds, and those already covered in the rules, in the consultation.

You can have your say here.