Shropshire Council seeks views on dog controls 

Shropshire Council is consulting over proposals to issue fines to dog walkers that fail to clear up after their animals. 

The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) would enable the council to issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100 to those who allow dogs to foul pavements and public spaces. 

In addition, dogs would also be excluded from play and sports areas and would be required to wear a lead on the public highway.

Officers would also have the power to ask for a dog to be put on a lead where they aren’t under the control or are acting aggressively. 

Dan Morris, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways, said: “An internal review last winter found an increasing number of complaints to the council about dog fouling, and concerns that we are not taking sufficient enforcement action. 

“It was agreed that the council’s legislative powers be reviewed, and measures implemented to enable enforcement for the control of dogs and for addressing dog fouling – and a PSPO is the best way to do this. 

“We want people to let us know what they think about these proposals and I encourage any individuals or groups with an interest in this issue to share their views.” 

The eight-week consultation runs until 21 December and the findings will then be brought back to the council’s Cabinet for further consideration early next year. 

If a PSPO is agreed, an educational campaign would be run ahead of the new rules coming into effect.