Almost 100% of the public who responded to a consultation over proposals to ban family dogs at a Co Antrim beauty spot, have opposed the plan.
Just four people - 2.5% of respondents - backed new dog ban legislation concerning a public coastal walk between Ballintoy and Whitepark Bay.
And 150 others - 97.5% - sent Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council letters of objection, firmly stating their position, many of them calling for alternatives such as fencing or tighter rules on dogs being permitted in the area if they are on leads.
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The proposal was described variously by those opposed to it as anti-family, discriminatory, short-sighted and having a negative impact on tourism, mental, emotional and physical health and the economic and social wellbeing of the area.
The area of land came under scrutiny after one land owner claimed uncontrolled dogs attacked livestock along the right of way. If passed, the new legislation would introduce a fine of up to £1,000 for anyone stepping foot on the 1.5miles of coastal walk with their dogs and an £80 on-the-spot penalty.
However Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council recommended the plans were withdrawn, stating:
- they visited the site 47 times without witnessing any dog-related offences
- the complainant's witness statement does not provide any supporting evidence in relation to his complaint
- during two visits undertaken by an elected member, three dogs were observed off-lead with no offences noted
And with no evidence submitted to back up the claims and a total of 50 site visits uncovering no offences, they recommended no further action on the proposed change of legislation. However councillors backed a month-long public consultation.
One person who backed the plans wrote to the consultation, saying: "Dogs should be banned from all beaches on the North Coast and they should be on leads in all public places. Society is being overrun with dogs."
A sheep farmer who provides tourist facilities and services in the area sent his opposition to the plans and said: "The stretch between Ballintoy and Whitepark bay is key to tourism, regeneration, employment and the physical and mental wellbeing of many diverse stakeholders acting responsibly with their pets.
"It is clear and obvious that the matter can be resolved by the construction of fencing along the route some hundreds of yards from the high water mark. What actions has the council taken to evaluate alternatives to this order? Why are we not being consulted on a range of alternative actions?
"The council's proposal is contrary to action being taken by Northern Ireland councils to open paths and greenways to residents and visitors and their dogs. It's all about providing dog friendly access to responsible owners.
"As sheep farmers we are aware of the risks to livestock. Yet land within 100 yards of the high water mark is of limited value to sheep farming. The particular path is key for tourism, health, economic and social wellbeing - not sheep.
"We, sheep farmers, do not support this proposal. This is not about animal husbandry and safety. You will promote community tension and anger and resentment locally against responsible farmers.
"The proposal reflects badly on the reputation and creativity of the Causeway Coast officers and members. Can the council buy or vest this land? The council needs to secure this national asset. Sheep can be grazed all over the borough, they don't need to be on or near this unique path.
"Financially it is a difficult time for the council, with difficult decisions on income generation, parking and services. We understand this. It is also a difficult time for residents and businesses. Please support us by quickly withdrawing this proposal by promoting the walk to responsible dog walkers and by constructing double fencing."
A spokesperson for Dog Lovers NI, said: "We want to know why ratepayers' money was wasted on this. The council's own experts recommended that a ban was not needed. And the results of the public opposition to the plan is overwhelming. We now call on the council to respond to our questions.
"It is now clear that this Dog Control Order cannot proceed but that’s not good enough. We will continue to investigate why in the absence of any grounds for an order, so much money was wasted on a consultation in times of huge economic hardship."
You can read the full council report including all public responses, here.
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