£80 fines threat for dog owners in Wolverhampton
Dog owners could be hit with £80 on-the-spot fines for having their pets off leads near schools under tough new measures.
Under the new Public Spaces Protection Order all dogs have to be kept on leads within 100-metres of all of Wolverhampton's schools and academies, and also alongside ‘major arterial roads’.
Conservative group leader Wendy Thompson said the plans were like ‘using a sledgehammer to crack a nut’ – as most dog owners are responsible.
But cabinet member Steve Evans said the move ‘encouraged responsible dog ownership’ in the city.
Councillor Evans, cabinet member for city environment, said: “Various dog control orders which we have had in place for the past decade will be coming to an end later this year.
“The proposed new public space protection order will consolidate the previous three orders made in 2007 and will also seek to make slight changes by increasing the number of arterial roads that dogs are required to be kept on a lead and create new controls for dogs near schools."
Those who do not comply with the order can also be taken to court and face a fine of up to £1,000.
“The order is designed to encourage responsible dog ownership around the city and we hope people will take part in the consultation and give us their views.”
Currently the council has three dog orders. These are being brought together as one PSPO – which includes the new bans near schools and main roads.
A report for the council’s scrutiny board explains the thinking behind the new order.
It says: “A review of the existing dog control orders has concluded that it is considered that Wolverhampton council would be better served by amalgamating the existing three dog control orders and expanding their provisions.”
Councillor Thompson said: “Most dog owners are very responsible and can decide themselves if they think it is safe to let their dogs off the lead. It’s a bit like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. Irresponsible owners are the problem so I would question why the council is looking to do this.”
The consultation runs until July 14, with the tougher dog ban due to be scrutinised at a cabinet meeting on July 19.
Anyone who wants to have their say should visit wolverhampton.gov.uk/article/10986/Dog-Control-Consultation
