Derry and Strabane District Council to explore dedicated dog exercise areas

Derry City and Strabane District Council has agreed to examine the creation of dog exercise areas.

The move comes after a motion from Cllr Declan Norris was passed at Wednesday's full council meeting.

Cllr Norris said: “I welcome council’s backing for my proposal to explore the possibility of creating dog specific exercise areas within our parks and other green spaces. As a dog-owner and animal lover myself I have noticed how few dedicated areas there are in our city where we can let our pets roam off their leads and get some much-needed exercise.

“Exercise is so important for animals and it can be a struggle at times to get your pet the activity they need to stay healthy and live a long, fulfilling life. We need to establish spaces where dogs can exercise freely, while ensuring that the public feel safe and are not being disturbed.

“The SDLP is dedicated to seeing a dog park in every council area, with an ambition to establish one in every district electoral area. This proposal is an important start in realising that ambition in Derry and Strabane and I look forward to receiving an update from council on how we can take this forward.”