Fixed penalty notices set to be approved for owners of defecating dogs without bag ‘designed for the purpose’ of holding for dog poo

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) requiring dogs to be kept on a lead in areas of country parks and ensuring owners pick up their pet’s faeces in all public places in the county borough is set to be renewed.

The measures been in place across Wrexham since early 2017 and carry for a fine for those who fail to comply.

They require dogs to be kept on a lead around visitors centres and in car parks in all of Wrexham’s country parks and when on public roads or pavements.

On Tuesday members of Wrexham Council’s executive board are set to back plans to keep the PSPO in place until September 2023.

As we reported back in February as part of the renewal it is proposed that a condition requiring the person “who is in control of the dog(s) be carrying an appropriate bag or receptacle for the removal of any faeces that their dog may deposit.” The council will now have a condition that requires a person who is in control of a dog, to be carrying an appropriate receptacle or bag to remove their dog’s faeces forthwith.

The dog fouling conditions also covers possible excuses, and being unaware of the defecation (whether by reason of not being in the vicinity or otherwise), or not having a device for or other suitable means of removing the faeces, shall not be a reasonable excuse for failing to remove the faeces. There is still no details of what poo collection ‘device’ Wrexham Council approve.

A consultation on this requirement was carried out this year, with a report due before councillors next week stating that just 29 people took part in the online survey. Four people raised concerns of the council ‘being too prescriptive over the exact type of bag or receptacle to be used to pick up faeces’. Police and community councils were also consulted.

This would come into force from the start of October, along with the following requirements for owners:-

• Remove their dogs’ faeces forthwith from all public places within the whole County Borough
• Exclude dogs from bowling green playing surfaces, the playing areas of marked sports pitches and fenced children’s play areas, skate parks, tennis courts and multi-use games areas (apart from owners with assisted dogs)
• Place their dogs on a lead when directed by an Authorised Officer
• Place their dogs on a lead around visitor centres and car parks in specific country parks
• Place their dogs on a lead on a public road and pavement
• Ensure that any person in charge of a dog carries with them appropriate bag(s) or receptacle to remove their dog faeces

It is estimated that approximately £1,000 would need to be spent updating/replacing signage for PSPO in the parks and public roads and pavements and any other areas where they may need to be displayed.

The report will be considered for approval by members of the executive board in a virtual meeting on Tuesday 8 September.