Don't hound us from Himley Park - Dog owners speak out over ban

Signs have been placed around Himley Park warning of the changes.

The 'dog free zones' will see canines prevented from using open spaces stretching between the Main Gate and West Gate.

The Express & Star spoke to dog owners taking their pets for a walk on the park over the weekend to get their opinion.

Debbie Cook, 53, from Sedgley, said: "The majority of owners couldn't take any more responsibility for their dogs if we tried.

"Our pockets are always full of bags and we never leave any mess behind.

"This just feels like we are being penalised because of irresponsible owners, which always seems to be the way it goes."

The restrictions have been thought up by council bosses who want to cater more for picnicking families.

Couple Kelly and Carl Smith, both 35, from Coseley, said they could see why the decision had been made but stopped short of fully endorsing it.

Kelly said: "I think it is understandable that they want more people to come and enjoy the park for picnics and not everyone likes dogs, some people find them intimidating.

"We come down every weekend and there is a lot of other land where we can take our dog, I just think it will be a bit difficult to enforce.

"It is a big area for walkers not to use."

Angry dog walkers have already launched a petition against the plans, which come into force in February.

Dog lover Joe Turner, 57, from Gornal, said he believed some sort of compromise between bosses and pet owners will be reached before the rules come into force.

He said: "I usually visit the park on a weekend with my wife, she thinks the plans are disgusting.

"It feels like the council are pinning the blame for any problems at the park on dog owners.

"I do think that a compromise will be reached, I don't see things going ahead as they are.

"One thing that confuses me is that they want people to use the space for picnics, but they haven't put any picnic tables down."

Stephanie Andrews, 39, from Gornal, said she had no objections to the plans.

She said: "It isn't really that big a deal, the park is huge and there is still plenty of room for people to walk their dogs."

Dudley councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said the grounds of Himley Hall were used by many people and needed to cater for a variety of users.

"As the spring months approach we are looking to encourage more people and families to enjoy picnics and other relaxing pursuits in these lovely grounds," he said.

"While dog walkers are free to exercise their pets in the vast majority of the open space, we are looking to provide a small pet-free area."