All the dog exclusion and lead only areas in Monmouthshire

NEW powers being considered by a Gwent council could see dogs banned from some parks or have to be kept on a lead.

The new restrictions would see dogs banned from nearly all marked sports pitches in Monmouthshire, school grounds and play areas.

Scroll down to see the full list and click on the name to see the area on a map

A consultation for the council found majority support for the restrictions with 64 per cent, or 330 of 517 completed questionnaires, backing the idea of introducing dog exclusion areas across the county.

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The Dogs Trust, Kennel Club and RSPCA haven’t objected to the idea but say they should be kept to a minimum and have emphasised the need for dogs to be allowed daily exercise, including regular opportunities to walk and run.

The RSPCA has suggested a new order, that dog owners have to pick up their pet’s poo in any public space, that is also set to be introduced by the council reduces the need for a complete ban on dogs from marked sports pitches.

The council has listed 178 proposed dog exclusion areas and said it also received a petition signed by more than 130 households opposing the inclusion of Gilwern sports pitch as it said it isn’t currently used by a football team but mainly to exercise dogs.

The games areas which include the children’s play area, multi use games area, marked sports pitch and cycle track remain as as a proposed exclusion area but the recreation ground, including the skate park, is included as a dogs on leads area.

Llanelly Community Council that owns the land has said it recognises the need for local residents to exercise their dogs off lead and has indicated it will liaise with the county council to explore how a nearby field could be used by dog walkers.

There were also 30 objections to the inclusion of Magor Church In Wales School, Sports Field / Sycamore Playing Field as it is described as the last central secure area in Magor where dogs can be let off a lead.

The school grounds will be off limits to dogs but an agreement between the county council and Magor with Undy Community Council, from May 2016, specfiled Sycamore Playing Fields will be available for dog walking and it will be a lead only area.

Sudbrook Cricket Club near Caldicot was originally included as an exclusion area but has been removed as the club wants to manage access for dogs itself.

As well as bans from certain areas the council’s cabinet is being asked to agree to give council officers the power to demand any person in control of a dog puts it on a lead if it is considered “to be out of control or causing alarm or distress or to prevent a nuisance” and that anyone walking a dog must also have to carry a bag for its poo, and can produce a bag if requested.

The council’s cabinet will meet on Wednesday, April 10 when it could agree to introduce the new powers which would then come into force, for three years, from June 1.