Dog order in Wolverhampton set to be extended

Wolverhampton Council’s cabinet will meet on Wednesday, to discuss the renewal of the public space protection order (PSPO) for dog control.

If approved, the order will be in place for three years and will require owners to keep their canines on a lead near main roads and parts of Northycote Farm, as well as within 100 metre radius of schools.

It will also mean people have to put dogs on a lead at the instruction of police or council officers.

Dogs are also banned from entering fenced children’s play areas and public park tennis courts and from fouling in public areas with owners also required to clean up after their pets.

An order first came into force in the city in 2017 with vast majority of respondents to the public consultation in favour of the PSPO.

A report to cabinet said 222 people were consulted this year with high numbers again agreeing with the conditions.

The report said: “The first requirement is for those in control of dogs to keep their dogs on a lead when near to a major road in Wolverhampton.

“This requirement is based on public safety and the welfare of dogs being an attempt to prevent stray or uncontrolled dogs getting loose on the main road.

“The second requirement relates specifically to Northycote Farm and is designed to prevent uncontrolled dogs attacking or killing livestock on the site.

“The third requirement is for those in control of dogs to keep their dogs on a lead within 100 metre radius of any school or academy building where such educational institute caters for pupils up to the age of 16.

“This is required to prevent out of control dogs biting or frightening children as sight of lots of children going to or leaving school at the same time can cause some dogs to get over excited.”