COUNCIL wants to hear whether or not dogs should be banned from the Cleveland markets.
The move comes after council installed signs last month about the dog ban on Bloomfield Street, between Queen and Middle streets, on Sunday from 6am to 2pm.
Cleveland businesses said at the time they feared their livelihoods were at risk from ban.
Market organiser Claire Reid said she was scared that she was going to lose the business she had built up over nearly four years.
Mayor Karen Williams called for a review of the ban, included in a local law that restricts dogs from public places.
“Dogs have actually not been allowed at the markets since 1997 but, following recent complaints from residents wanting the local law enforced, council has erected signs to educate the public about the local law,” Cr Williams said.
“Considering the local law has been in place for more than 20 years, I think it is time to ask the community for feedback and we will ultimately be guided by what they tell us.”
Cr Williams said she was not asking for the law to be changed, but for feedback.
“We will be led by the community view on this,” she said.
Cr Julie Talty said the law may have been brought in when the markets had started.
“We are well and truly behind the times,” Cr Talty said.
Cr Williams said that no infringement notices had been issued in the last 12 months but people had recently been advised of the law.
“As a dog owner myself, I can understand why people would want to take their furry friends to the markets, but I also understand that not everyone is a dog lover and having them around food and children can cause issues.
“So the best course of action is to ask the community what they want through formal, public consultation.”
Cr Williams said signs advising of the dog ban used to be displayed by the market operator but this had not occurred recently.
She said the ban on dogs at the market would remain until the review was finalised.
