THE number of dog exclusion zones in Torfaen could be cut by 100 as part of a consultation to change canine controls in the borough.

At present, it is an offence to allow dogs onto school grounds, designated play areas or marked sports pitches.

The animals are also excluded from the lapwing breeding area near Garn Lakes Nature Reserve in Blaenavon.

Under a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), the current dog exclusion zones would be revised to reduce the number from around 250 to 150.

School grounds, designated play areas, marked sports pitches and the lapwing breeding area would remain exclusion zones but many of these areas will have their boundaries revised.

The new order would also introduce two Dogs on Leads areas for specific parts of Cwmbran Boating Lake and Garn Lakes Local Nature Reserve.

This would be a new offence and is being considered in response to concerns raised about dog-on-dog attacks, risks to wildlife and conflicts between different users of these areas.

Cllr Fiona Cross, executive member for the environment, said: “Since the existing Dog Control Orders were introduced in 2013 new legislation has been introduced replacing them with Public Spaces Protection Orders and as part of this process the council is taking the opportunity to review existing dog controls.

“We have listened to what residents have been telling us and while it is impossible to please everyone we have drafted proposals that we think are fair and will provide a more enjoyable experience for everyone using our parks and open spaces.

“These are just proposals at this stage and I would urge anyone who wants to contribute to this consultation to have their say online, or visit one of our drop in sessions.”

It is also an offence to fail to remove dog fouling on any land to which the public has access, and the PSPO does not intend to change this.

Failure to comply with a PSPO will result in a fixed penalty notice of £100 while failure to pay the Fixed Penalty Notice will result in legal action which could result in a maximum fine of £1,000.

The consultation launched on Wednesday, November 15 and will be available at getinvolved.torfaen.gov.uk until Friday, December 15.

The plans can also be viewed in person at the council offices at T? Blaen Torfaen, Panteg Way, New Inn from Monday to Thursday between 9am and 5pm, or 9am to 4:30pm on Fridays.

There will also be a series of drop in sessions on the following dates for anyone wishing to complete the consultation in person.

The first session will be held at the Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall on Monday, November 27; followed by Wednesday, November 29 at the Pontypool Active Living Centre and finally Cwmbran library on Friday, December 1.

All drop-in events will run between 12pm and 2pm.