New powers tabled to ban dogs from play areas around Cannock parks
New powers to ban dogs from children's play areas and parks across the Cannock Chase district could be introduced.
Cannock Chase District Council is looking to introduce Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which would prohibit dogs from specified areas and limit the number of dogs an individual can take for a walk.
It means dog owners who fail to comply with the rules of the PSPO would be slapped with a fixed penalty notice fine of £100 – potentially rising to £1,000 for those who fail to pay it.
Dogs would be prohibited from up to 40 fenced play areas in the district including ones at Cannock Park, Hednesford Park, Heath Hayes Park and Rugeley Leisure Centre.
A decision will be made at the council's upcoming cabinet meeting next week.
It follows a public consultation into the matter, which – in summary – found that the majority of respondents were in favour of extending the remit of dog control in the district.
Currently, there a currently two Dog Control Orders in force across the district, with the new measures allowing the council to crackdown on the anti-social behaviour even further.
Leader of the council, Councillor George Adamson, says he hopes the plans would result in less dog mess being left in areas across Cannock Chase.
He said: "Particularly in enclosed play areas – keeping dogs out is a matter of health and safety. Most dog owners are responsible when it comes to leaving dog mess but there are some who aren't.
"As part of the consulation we asked the limit that the amount of dogs one person should have at a time and Staffordshire County Council said they think it should be six. I think we'll probably considering more like three – professional dog walkers will still be able to carry out there business.
"Hopefully it is going to result in less dog mess across Connock Chase which is a constant complaint we receive. You carry your dog bags to clean up after your dog but some people still choose not to. It is unpleasant and a health risk.
Councillor Adamson also said the council will look at introducing wardens to head out at certain times to combat people breaking the rules of the Public Space Protection Order.
Walkers will be fined £100 for dog fouling, exceeding the maximum number of dogs to be walked by one person and who fails to keep a dog on a lead in specified areas.
The Cannock Chase District Council cabinet will make a decision on the proposal next Thursday.
