RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on whether the council's current dog control measures are still appropriate.

In October 2018, Cheshire West and Chester Council introduced a public space protection order (PSPO), featuring a wide range of dog control measures to encourage responsible dog ownership.

These measures were maintained in 2021 following the statutory review and the PSPO is now due for review again. A separate PSPO banning smoking in fully enclosed children’s play areas that contain play equipment is also up for review.

As such, the council launched a public consultation on Thursday, May 16, seeking residents' views and running until Sunday, July 14.

Cllr Christine Warner, the cabinet member for environment, explained only one change has been suggested to the current measures in place.

She said: "We know that problems caused by irresponsible dog owners are felt within communities across our borough and we are committed to tackling these issues.

"The only change suggested to the current provisions is the introduction of a provision to require dogs to be on leads at all times on council-managed bowling greens.

"No other changes are intended to the control methods in the current PSPOs, subject to the results of the consultation. This review is largely to ascertain whether the current control methods are still appropriate.

"These controls will continue to keep our children and residents safe in their communities where there could be problems with dog fouling or irresponsible dog ownership.

"I hope as many residents as possible give their views."

The measures currently in force are:

  • Dogs are excluded from fully enclosed children’s play areas that contain play equipment.
  • Dogs are excluded from fully or partially-enclosed multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and tennis courts.
  • Dogs must be placed on a lead at the request of an authorised officer.
  • Dogs must be on a lead in cemeteries and council-maintained crematorium gardens.
  • Where a lead is required, it must be a maximum of two metres in length (fixed or locked).
  • A maximum of six dogs per person can be walked together.
  • Dog walkers must pick up their dog foul.
  • Dog walkers must carry sufficient means to pick up their dog foul.

A breach of any of the provisions of the PSPOs is subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 and, if an FPN is not appropriate, up to £1000 on prosecution.

None of the provisions described above apply on Forestry Commission land.

A council spokesman added: "The council recognises the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and keep their dogs under control when they are out and about.

"And for animal welfare reasons, it is beneficial for dog owners to be able to exercise their dogs off lead in open spaces.

"However, if they are not properly supervised and kept under control, dogs that are allowed off lead in public areas can cause nuisance or even injury to members of the public, or other animals, and may cause road traffic accidents.

"Dog fouling, the most unacceptable and offensive type of litter on our streets, can also be an issue.

"As well as being deeply unpleasant, it can also be dangerous as, while it is rare, contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis – a harmful infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures."

There are a variety of ways to give your views: online via cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/DogControl; email via dogs@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk; telephone via 0300 1238 123 or 01244 973 708 quoting 'Dog Control'; or writing to Dog Control Consultation, Regulatory Services, Public Protection Service, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH.

The outcome of the public consultation will be considered by cabinet in September 2024.