People are being invited to have their say on dog fouling and whether children’s play areas should continue to be no-go zones for canines.

The existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced in 2021 for a period of three years.

It forms the primary dog control legislation in the borough and addresses dog fouling, including a ban on dogs in children’s fenced off play areas.

A consultation has now started asking borough residents if they are happy for the order to remain in place for a further three years until March 2027.

The council receives regular complaints in relation to dog fouling and over the last year officers have issued 17 fixed penalty notices.

In order to issue a notice, an authorised officer must see the owner allowing their dog to foul and not clearing away afterwards for an offence to occur.

The current fixed penalty notice under the PSPO stands at £100, although failure to pay can incur costs of up to £2,500. Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for highways and environmental services said:

“Dog fouling of public spaces is absolutely unacceptable, especially when it puts the health of others, especially children at risk.

“Exposure to dog faeces, directly or indirectly, can leave people vulnerable to diseases like toxocariasis. Dog faeces can also carry E.coli and hepatitis.

“The existing PSPO has already given us further enforcement powers to crack down on those irresponsible owners, who allow their dogs to foul our pavements, green spaces and play areas.

“We want to make sure residents are still happy with this approach which is why we need them to take a minute to answer the four simple questions in our survey.”

PSPOs are intended to address activities carried out in public spaces which have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality. The new PSPO would last for a maximum period of three years and could then be renewed for a further three-year period.

To participate in the consultation please complete the online survey. The deadline for replies is Wednesday January 30.

To report incidents of dog fouling contact Dudley Council Plus on 0300 555 2345.