New powers which will make it easier to keep the borough clean while supporting responsible dog owners come into force from August 1.

Earlier this year, the authority asked the public for their opinion on four new Dog Control Orders, which will make it easier to deal with the minority of irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to stray off the lead or into children’s play areas or who refuse to pick up after their pets.

Members of the public were overwhelmingly in support of the proposed new measures, which have now been unanimously approved by the full council.

The orders are:

• The dog fouling order, which applies across the borough and gives enforcement staff the powers to impose £80 fines on dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets
• Exclusion of all dogs from designated areas. This does NOT ban dogs from public parks, but applies to all fenced children’s play areas and small designated areas in open parks where there is play equipment, as well as the tennis courts and skate park in the Castle Grounds
• Keeping of dogs on leads. This applies in a number of areas including all borough cemeteries, pedestrianised areas of the town centre, the Upper Lawn in the Castle Grounds and Anker Valley sports pitches
• Keeping of dog under control when directed. This will be in force across the borough and can be used if a dog was out of control or causing a nuisance

A breach of any of the four orders could land the irresponsible dog owner with a fine of £80. All Tamworth Borough Council’s street wardens and enforcement staff will be empowered to implement and enforce the orders, which have brought dog-related offences into line with litter legislation.