Dog walkers in one part of Wales could be fined if they leave the house without having bags to pick up their pet's poo. The idea is being considered by councillors in Monmouthshire as part of new controls on dogs in public places such as requirements to keep them on leads in certain areas and potential bans on taking dogs to places such as children's play areas or marked sports pitches.
The county council is drawing up Public Spaces Protection Orders which would set legally enforceable controls. The orders however will include the first blanket, county wide, requirement for dog owners to pick up their dog's poo. Previously there has only been such a requirement in designated areas.
The council's place scrutiny committee considered the draft orders, and what they should include, and said it was concerned at how the council would enforce the rules and how it would fund enforcement. Councillor Su McConnel, who represents Croesonen, said a requirement to carry bags to collect the poo would make enforcement easier but council officials acknowledged there could be a difficulty if people say they have run out of bags while exercising their pets.
