Oakham mum Jenny Arthey has called for dogs to be kept under stricter control after her young daughter was scared by an unsupervised animal in Cutts Close.

She wanted Oakham Town Council to fence off a section of the park for pet owners to let their dogs loose, leaving the rest of the area dog-free for children to enjoy.

The idea was branded as "ludicrous" by several councillors at a meeting last week but they are now considering introducing a rule for all dogs to be kept on leads in the park.

At the moment pets are allowed to run free.

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Jenny said: "I've always been amazed that dogs don't have to be on leads. I was in the park last week where a dog was running about while its owner sat on a bench, and I don't think he could have run after it to restrain it if something had happened.

"There is also lots of dog muck around the park and as a parent I have to be constantly looking out for it.

This is the second time Jenny (42), of Oakham, has asked the council to take action.

Several years ago she says her friend's child was almost attacked by a dog in the park but the council at the time ignored her pleas. Recently her own two-year-old daughter Rebekah was scared by a dog running up to her after being let off its lead.

Jenny said: "I'm disappointed by the council's decision not to fence off an area for dogs, but the idea of keeping them on leads would go a long way to solving the problem.

The town clerk was asked to investigate the possibility of introducing the rule to keep pets on leads.

Rutland dog warden Barry Briggs thinks it will help, but could penalise sensible pet owners.

He said: "I don't think a separate area for dogs is feasible and wouldn't have been a good idea. It would spoil the enjoyment for everyone else.

"Some councils put in bylaws to make sure dogs are on leads at all times which is usually successful but makes it more difficult for responsible owners to exercise their dogs."