A PROPOSAL to keep all dogs on leads in certain open spaces in Dorchester has been dismissed as 'daft' by town councillors.

Councillors at a management committee meeting last night voted against a Dogs on Leads Order that had been forwarded to them following a Partners and Communities Together (Pact) meeting that highlighted public concern over rough sleepers not having control of their dogs.

Joke Areas suggested for the order included the Borough Gardens and Maumbury Rings.

Councillor Susie Hosford said: "We don't enforce the orders we have now.

"It's a joke. I've never seen a dog warden at Maumbury Rings ever."

Coun Molly Rennie said people were getting better and better at clearing up after their dogs and the best way to encourage others to do the same is to highlight the people who do it properly.

She said anyone who experienced a dog causing a problem should call the police, who had the powers to deal with it.

Dorchester mayor Coun David Barrett said the new order would enable on-the-spot fines rather than taking cases through the magistrates courts, but because of the complexity of legislation it would void all the existing legislation in those areas including that of no fouling.

Coun Robin Potter said: "There's already a prohibition of dog fouling on all areas of West Dorset imposed by the district council, and keeping dogs under control is a national law.

"We feel that the existing legislation should be used rather than trying to impose a new order that could have a negative effect on the vast majority of dog owners who act entirely responsibly."

He added: "This new order would say that perfectly responsible dogs would have to be on a lead and that's daft.

"We want to find a way to encourage responsible dog owners and to deal with those who are not acting responsibly."