The IW Council, after a bit of a false start before Christmas, has now finally fired the starting gun on its Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) consultation.

These are the orders which, among other things, replace control orders banning dogs from some beaches, and stipulate where pets must be kept on leads.

Cue an intemperate debate, with opinion divided firmly between those more or less enamoured of man’s best friend, and expressions of disgust at, for example, some pets’ by-products, frequently unfit to print.

There is, in fact, no such thing as a bad dog, only bad owners. The law doesn’t properly recognise this and needs an overhaul – and I speak as a dog person.

Some breeds bite people more readily than others. But in all cases they bite people because their owners fail to train them properly and/or control them properly.

In Gatcombe, a terrier bit someone and was ordered to be put down because its owner, far from controlling it properly, had exercised it with the IW Hunt, with which he held a senior position. No wonder the animal felt confused, since its hunt role — pursuing its quarry into the earth — is now redundant, what with no actual foxes being chased. As we all know.

Destruction of the dog wasn’t the correct solution. Attacks of that sort would be much less likely to happen if they were treated as an assault by the owner, causing actual bodily harm. As it was, the man wasn’t even made to stand in the dock. The dog was simply got rid of.

Even well-trained dogs are apt to poo on the beach. Doggie bags cost less than 1p each. Pick-up is a knack easily learned. Any bin will do.

Beaches are an important asset and need to be kept clean. Prosecuting lazy owners for despoiling them would surely do the trick without the need to ban the rest of us, and our pets, from our birthright for months at a time. Not that the council ever had such a thing in mind, it’s now keen to stress...

Likewise, some of our other open spaces where dogs may soon have to be kept on leads. Some dogs need leads to control them, others don’t. A dog which runs, perhaps barking, up to children or others of a nervous disposition clearly needs to be restrained, even if it’s “just being friendly”. But a blanket rule makes no sense at all when many pets will do as they’re told.

An amendment to the Public Order Act 1936, would deal with the issue perfectly. It already outlaws threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour... whereby a breach of the peace is likely to be occasioned”.

Lots of us want to be able to exercise our dogs in quiet enjoyment of the Island, without being stigmatised by the slobbishness of the few.

Dog ownership brings responsibilities. I’m perfectly willing to take the rap if I fall down on mine.