Foul play: RSPCA criticises Cardiff council plan to ban dogs from sports pitches

The RSPCA has criticised plans to ban dogs from sports pitches in Wales.

Cardiff Council wants to bring in a public space protection order (PSPO) which would prevent owners bringing their dogs to marked pitches.

The council says the measure will tackle the issue of dog fouling, but RSPCA Cymru said it was “troubled” by the plan.

More than 2,500 people in the city have signed a petition opposing the ban.

The council has issued 142 fines in the past five years after staff spotted dog owners who failed to scoop up their animal’s mess.

The new measures would see on-the-spot fines of up to £100 for dog walkers who let their animals roam on marked sports pitches, play areas and school grounds.

The proposals, which are at the consultation stage, are opposed by many dog owners.

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Lesley Brown, 60, from St Fagans, walks her two black Labradors three times a week in Pontcanna fields, a fenced-off area with sports pitches.

She told the BBC: “What the point in having a dog? A dog needs to be healthy and you have the responsibility to keep it exercised. It helps people meet one another.”

RSPCA Cymru spokesman Paul Smith told the BBC: “We are troubled by any moves from Cardiff Council to ban dogs from marked sports pitches.

“We’re proud to work closely with Cardiff Council and urge them not to forbid dogs from marked sports playing pitches, particularly where adequate space for exercise may not be available nearby.”

A Cardiff Council spokeswoman said: “Every year we receive a significant number of complaints about dog fouling and out-of-control dogs in public places and while the majority of dog owners are responsible and do the right thing by cleaning up after their dog and keeping them under control there is a minority who cause significant problems.

“The introduction of a PSPO would allow the council to tackle this nuisance so that our public open spaces can be enjoyed safely by everyone.”