COUNCILLORS called an idea to install a dog agility course at an area of open space in Wellington as “crazy”.

Wellington Town Council’s environment committee met on Wednesday, October 22, and chairman Cllr Chris Booth suggested that an area of the open space off Hoyles Road could be used for dog activities.

“There are a lot of dog walkers in Wellington and I’m thinking about creating a dog agility course for them to use with their pets,” he said.

“I’m not really talking about the costs of the project at this point, but just looking at the principle of the idea.”

Dog agility involves an obstacle course including jumps, tunnels, weave poles and other challenges and provides our four-legged friends a fun and engaging way to improve their physical fitness and help strengthen the bond between owner and pet.

Originally the agenda indicated that Cllr Booth was going to talk about Corner Close play area for his dog agility course proposal, but he soon moved to the open space off Hoyles Road after being prompted by Cllr Mark Lithgow.

“I would not be able to support anything that would let dogs into children’s play areas because some dog owners can be irresponsible,” said Cllr Lithgow. “But I could see part of the open space at Hoyles Road being used.”

But the mayor, Cllr Janet Lloyd, did not waste her words on the subject. “I think it is a crazy idea,” she said.

The council’s open spaces manager Darren Hill said: “The area at Hoyles Road is used heavily by dog walkers and we could do something for them around the boundary.”

Cllr Sean Pringle-Kosikowsky said people thought of dogs like marmite – they either like them or they don’t.

“I’ve got a big dislike of the modern play equipment and I think some items could be used by dogs and humans,” he said. “And thinking differently about things – I actually think this is a good idea.”

He suggested that perhaps a group of dog walkers could come to the council with suggestions on what could be done in the future.

Cllr Mike McGuffie, also thinking differently about things, said: “The dogs won’t miss a dog agility course if it’s not there!

“And even if you fence an area off for dogs, children will want to get in there and play with the dog agility stuff.”

Cllr McGuffie added: “It does seem odd to fence an area off to keep children out, but you need to provide facilities for all residents and dog walkers are residents.”

Cllr Mark Lithgow said: “The old age thing of throwing a ball for them to fetch keeps a dog happy. A pet owner needs to keep their pets occupied.

“I don’t think it’s part of this town council’s remit to keep dogs entertained.”

Cllr Chris Booth, sensing the negativity in the room for his idea, concluded the discussion by saying: “I think we will put this on the backburner.”