New dog controls come into force

New measures to curb dog fouling and prevent problems with out of control dogs across Wyre Forest come into force on Sunday 1 October.

A new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has given council enforcement officers broader powers to deal with dog owners who fail to properly control or clean up after their pets in public open spaces.

Measures include introducing new offences requiring 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

People with assistance dogs are exempt from the new PSPO.

The new rules have been overwhelmingly backed by local residents. More than 900 people completed a three month online survey and also attended a series of consultation events organised by Wyre Forest District Council.

Councillor Rebecca Vale, Cabinet Member for Operational Services on Wyre Forest District Council, said:“We know that most dog-owners in Wyre Forest are responsible and do control their dogs and clean up after them.

“I’m confident these new measures will allow us to take action against the minority who do not.

“We were very pleased with the number of people who responded to our survey – many of whom were dog owners.  We very much want to work with them and  will be starting a 3 month educational campaign as part of our ongoing work to keep the district safe, clean and looking good.”  

For more information visit www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/dogfouling from Sunday 1 October 2017.