WAVERLEY Borough Council has decided to update and extend its consultation on two proposed new orders that aim to deal with dog fouling and dog control issues in the borough.

People now have until Friday, September 14, to give their views on the two draft Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), which have been developed to ensure dogs are responsibly managed by their owners at all times in public spaces.

If adopted, the first order will result in a ban on dog fouling across the entire borough, meaning dog owners and dog walkers will need to clean up and dispose of dog mess properly.

The second order will target issues of dog control, including requiring owners to keep dogs on leads in certain areas and during specified dates, excluding dogs from designated spaces such as children’s play areas and a condition to only allow dog walkers to walk up to four dogs at once.

If people are found to breach either of the orders they risk receiving a fixed penalty notice of £100 and if this isn’t paid, could face prosecution and be fined up to £1,000.

Kevin Deanus, Waverley’s portfolio holder for community services, said: “Thank you to everyone who has already responded and given their views. We really value your opinions and they will help us to decide how to take the two PSPOs forward.

“During the consultation process, Witley Parish Council requested that some of its open spaces be covered by the dog control PSPO, so we think it’s only fair to update and extend the consultation so people have the opportunity to comment. What’s more, it will also provide a bit more time for those who haven’t already commented, or looked through the revised orders, to do so.

“If you have already submitted a response, reviewed the orders and have nothing further to add, we will take your existing comments into account as part of the consultation. We would recommend reviewing the updated orders and if anyone has any new comments we’d welcome these. We really are keen to hear as many views as possible.

“These orders will not affect responsible dog owners in Waverley. These orders are only designed to combat problem dog owners and deter them from being anti-social and inconsiderate of other users of the borough’s public spaces.”

In line with the consultation, the council is also exploring the option of bringing in licences for professional dog walkers to be able to walk more than four dogs at a time in designated areas.

More information, including the updated draft orders, maps of affected areas and a link to a survey to give your views, can be found online at www.waverley.gov.uk/dogpspo .

Responses can also be posted to Environmental Services (PSPO Consultation), Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming, GU7 1HR or emailed to [email protected].