A PUBLIC consultation on proposals to address bylaws which govern dog walking in the Vale has been reissued and residents are now able to comment.

The aim is to bring existing restrictions under new legislation, which gives the council more enforcement powers.

The initial ‘draft’ proposal, which entered the public domain, created widespread confusion with some owners complaining over what they saw as a “widespread ban” on dog walking.

The council, which bills the Vale as a dog-friendly county, said it is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in relation to dog fouling and the new ‘Public Spaces Protection Order - Dog Control’, would enable people to enjoy open spaces with owners taking responsibility for their pets.

The council wants the power to serve a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which would restrict persistent anti-social behaviour in public spaces; replacing the current bylaws and restrictions.

The PSPO can last for three years and if breached an authorised officer could issue a fixed penalty notice of up to £100, which if not paid could be increased to £1000.

The authority has produced a list of areas currently covered by bylaws and would like input as to whether these should be covered by a PSPO.

Current restrictions say dog mess should be removed from all public places by the dog owner; dogs are prohibited from marked sports pitches; dogs are prohibited from enclosed children’s play areas; and dogs are prohibited from a number of beaches from May 1 to September 30.

Vale council director of environment and housing services, Miles Punter said: “The council is seeking to strike a balance to provide dog owners with the necessary opportunities to exercise their dogs without detrimentally affecting others’ enjoyment of the space.

“It is hoped that the introduction of PSPOs in certain areas will reduce such incidents in the future and improve the quality of our open spaces for everybody.”

Residents can respond to the consultation via valeofglam

organ.gov.uk/pspodogs until Wednesday, August 22.