DOGS will be banned from sports pitches and play areas in Newport after plans were unanimously signed off by city councillors.

The new rules also state that all owners must keep dogs on leads in all council-owned cemeteries, and they must remove – and have appropriate means to remove – their dog’s faeces on all public land.

This is part of Newport City Council’s new Public Spaces Protection Order 2022-2025 which was approved at a meeting on Tuesday, July 19.

This PSPO specifically covers dog control and aims to target “irresponsible dog owners”.

A consultation on the new rules found 58 per cent of 335 respondents were in favour of banning dogs from sports pitches.

Dogs are banned from sports pitches during their respective seasons:

  • Football: July 1 to April 30.
  • Rugby: September 1 to April 30.
  • Cricket: April 1 to September 30.

At the meeting Cllr Yvonne Forsey, who represents Rogerstone West, expressed her support for the rules and added: “I think we should do everything we can to protect children.”

Ringland councillor Laura Lacey said that dog faeces could cause “awful wounds”, adding: “Even if you pick after a dog, you don’t always get everything.”

Two Independent councillors Cllr Kevin Whitehead and Cllr Allan Morris said they supported the rules but questioned the council’s ability to enforce them.

The rules will be enforced by authorised council officers and police constables, who can also request for dogs to be put on leads if they are not “under proper control”.

Failure to comply with the rules is a criminal offence and could will in a fine of up to £1,000 – these can be issued on the spot by a police officer or constable or a council officer.

Labour councillor for Alway, Alex Pimm, suggested that “dedicated dog walking and running areas” should be created in future.