New measures to curb dog fouling and prevent problems with out of control dogs across Herefordshire came into force on March 27th, 2018.

The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for dog control, which has replaced the previous dog control orders, gives council enforcement officers and police officers powers to deal with dog owners who fail to properly control or clean up after their dogs in public open spaces.

The areas in Ross-on-Wye where these orders are in place are the children’s play areas in Beech Close, Grammar School Close, Oak Tree Rise, Roman Way, Verschoyle Gardens and the Rope Walk

Measures include offences requiring dog owners and walkers to:

• Clear up after their dog

• Keep their dog on a lead in certain areas

• Put their dog on a lead when asked to

• Keep dogs out of some areas

People with assistance dogs are exempt from this PSPO.

Responses received during a consultation period last year show support for the rules contained in the order.

Councillor Durkin, Cabinet Member for Transport and Regulatory Services, said: “The majority of dog owners are responsible and keep their dogs under control and clean up after them, this order will allow action to be taken against the minority who do not.”

Herefordshire Council asks members of the public to report incidents of dog fouling via their website so that appropriate action can be taken. More details can be found via the website: www.herefordshire.gov.uk