Agenda item

As detailed in Option 1 with the addition of “That officers work with those communities who identified that marked sports pitches were the only space for dog walking to explore the provision of additional amenity space”.

Councillor Thomas introduced the report which proposed two options for adoption of a Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).  The options were detailed in the report as were the responses to the consultation.

                        On the prohibition of dogs on marked sports pitches, 21 who responded made supportive comments, 24 made representation questioning the prohibition and 31 questioned whether alternative provisions for dog exercise were to be made as a result of the planned exclusion areas.  The RSPCA and the Kennel Club both considered that dogs should be allowed onto marked sports pitches.

                        At the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 19^th September Members voted in favour of Option 2 which would see a further period of consultation regarding dog exclusion on marked sports pitches.  A further recommendation had been put forward that dogs could be exercised around the perimeter of marked sports pitches on a lead.  The Cabinet Member supported Option 2 however any further consultation would need to be undertaken by Town and Community Councils.

                        Councillor Attridge spoke in favour of dogs being excluded from marked sports pitches, citing examples of sports games having to be postponed to clean up dog waste.  He said it was not acceptable to the health and welfare of Flintshire residents to allow dogs onto marked sports pitches.   Councillor Mullin concurred with the views of Councillor Attridge commenting that similar problems were being faced at the marked sports pitch in Broughton.

                        Councillor Shotton also supported the views of Councillors Attridge and Mullin and supported Option 1 in the recommendation. However, he said the Council needed to be mindful of some of the views from communities following the consultation.  Following a question, the Chief Officer (Planning and Environment) explained that the PSPO would define the areas that were prohibited.  Where there no other area for dogs to be exercised in an area, alternatives would be sought.  Following a discussion it was agreed that officers would work with those communities who identified that marked sports pitches were the only space for dog walking to explore the provision of additional amenity space where the space was owned by the Council.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That following the period of consultation that a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) be made to cover dog control and dog fouling in Flintshire with the following conditions:

                      i.        Remove their dogs’ waste from all public places within Flintshire;

                    ii.        Prohibit taking, or permitting the dog to enter or remain in:

a.    All areas within school grounds;

b.    The playing areas of formal recreational areas including but not exclusively bowling greens and tennis courts;

c.    Fenced enclosed children’s play areas.

                   iii.        Keep their dogs on a lead within a Cemetery;

                   iv.        Have means on their person, at all times, appropriate means to pick up their dogs’ waste from all public places in Flintshire;

                    v.        Put their dog on a lead, when directed by an authorised officer, if the dog is loose and causing a nuisance or annoyance to any other person, bird or animal; and

                   vi.        That officer’s work with those communities who identified that marked sports pitches were the only space for dog walking to explore the provision of additional amenity space where the space was owned by the Council.

(b)       That the Public Space Protection Order covering dog control and dog fouling commencing on 20^th October, following a Notice period and publicity of the upcoming order, be agreed.