Douglas Corporation is reaffirming its hard-line against dog fouling, after a rate-payer severely criticed new bye-laws, due to come in before the end of the year.

Dog owner Wendy Hulme says she was shocked and disappointed when a bye-laws officer told her about the regulations, which mean the pets will no longer be allowed in the town's squares, parks and gardens.

The Corporation says plenty of warning has been given, and a special dog walking area has been created at Noble's Park, at considerable expense.

Miss Hulme (pictured) says the care she gives her 18 month old Collie will suffer, with fewer places available to exercise the animal (audio file attached):

Corporation spokesman Ritchie McNicholl says the new bye-laws will be enforced after signage has been put in position later in the year.

He says it was decided to give dog owners a chance, rather than prosecute straight away, but not everybody on the Council agreed with the more tolerant approach.