More than 600 residents have given their views on new proposed measures to curb dog fouling and prevent problems with out of control dogs across Wyre Forest.

Wyre Forest District Council launched an online survey in June and held a series of consultation events to capture people’s views during July.

So far 634 people have completed the survey and their feedback will help the council decide whether to introduce a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), giving its enforcement officers broader powers to deal with dog owners who fail to properly control or clean up after their pets in public open spaces.

If you haven’t had your say, then there’s still time to complete the survey – it will close on Sunday 3 September.

Proposals include introducing new offences which would require dog walkers to:

  • Clear up after their dog
  • Keep their dog on a lead in some areas
  • Put their dog on a lead when asked to
  • Keep dogs out of some areas
  • Have a means to clear up after any dogs in their possession

If introduced council enforcement officers could require dog owners to produce the means to clean up after their pet or run the risk of a fine of up to £100 or potentially prosecution. People with assistance dogs will be exempt from the new PSPO rules.

The 11-week consultation is also asking people if they think dogs should be kept on leads in Kidderminster Cemetery and Queen Elizabeth Gardens in Bewdley. It is proposed that dogs should not be allowed to enter children’s play areas and splash parks.

Similar powers to the ones proposed by WFDC, introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, are already being used successfully in some parts of the country including Malvern Hills District in Worcestershire.

Cllr Rebecca Vale, Cabinet Member for Operational Services on Wyre Forest District Council, said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has taken time to complete the survey or attend one of the drop-in sessions.

“We recognise that the majority of dog-owners in Wyre Forest are responsible and do control their dogs and clean up after them.

“However these new proposed measures will help us take action against the minority of pet owners who are reluctant to do so.

“There’s still time to feed back on the proposals, so if you haven’t had your say, please take this opportunity.”

People can comment on the proposals up until 3rd September by visiting our website and following the link:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PSPOControl