**Carmarthenshire Council Renews Dog Owner Rules Amid Strong Public Support**
Carmarthenshire dog owners will continue to face rules over cleaning up after their pets and keeping canines out of children’s play areas, following the council’s decision to renew its public spaces protection order (PSPO). The measure, designed to maintain public cleanliness and safety, has been in place since 2016 and will now run for at least another three years.
The PSPO requires dog owners to remove their dogs’ mess from public spaces and prohibits dogs from entering any enclosed children’s play areas. Council officers also have the authority to demand that owners place their dogs on a lead if it is deemed necessary—specifically, when a dog is behaving in a way that causes a nuisance or disturbance.
The process of extending the order involved a public consultation, which the council claims showed overwhelming support for maintaining these powers. Many respondents reportedly value the balance between responsible pet ownership and the enjoyment of public spaces by all, particularly young families and vulnerable users.
According to a report presented to cabinet, some in the community—such as one county councillor—called for even stricter measures, including additional limitations on dogs using sports pitches or parklands. There was also a suggestion to create a dedicated, fenced zone where dogs could be exercised freely without causing disruption. However, officials stated such changes would necessitate further evidence gathering and a separate consultation to ensure any new controls are justified and proportionate.
Since the PSPO was originally enacted, the council has logged 3,425 complaints relating to dog fouling between 2016 and the end of last year. In response, enforcement actions have been taken with the issuing of 136 fixed penalty notices to individuals caught breaching the order, and seven of those were prosecuted after failing to pay fines. Incidents of dogs entering play areas have been relatively limited, with only four enforcement actions on this front, suggesting that the restrictions, backed up by warning signage, are generally effective as a deterrent.
The cabinet’s decision to renew the order comes into effect on 1 July. Notably, the rules do not apply to assistance dogs trained by legitimate charities, in recognition of the vital support they provide to people with disabilities.
Councillor Aled Vaughan Owen, commenting on the extension, stated, “There is a clear case for extending this order and I believe that this continues to protect the enjoyment of our areas.” He proposed that the cabinet approve the extension, highlighting the ongoing need to protect public spaces for all residents.
Previous proposals to expand restrictions—such as a complete ban on dogs from sports pitches—have proved contentious. While a council scrutiny committee made that recommendation back in 2022, and some residents and sports clubs reported matches being disrupted to clear dog mess, the council ultimately found insufficient evidence to support the change at that time.
Enforcement remains an active area for the council. As recently as April, the council asked the public for help identifying a dog owner caught on CCTV in Llanelli who did not clear up after their animal. Meanwhile, in February, a woman from Penygroes was handed a court fine and more than £3,700 in legal costs for persistently failing to remove dog mess from her property.
These cases illustrate both the council’s commitment to upholding standards and the community’s shared responsibility. As Carmarthenshire balances the rights of dog owners with the needs of the wider community, the renewed order signals continued efforts to ensure public spaces remain safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone. The issue remains a passionate one, echoing the ongoing debate, not just in Carmarthenshire but across the UK, over how best to manage shared outdoor environments for all to enjoy.