Residents have just days left to share their views on whether dog walkers should still be penalised for not clearing up after their animals.

Warwick District Council has asked locals to have their say on its current public space protection orders (PSPOs) which include restrictions on dog fouling, dog control, dog exclusion areas and drinking alcohol.

The local authority wants to gauge local views on the existing orders, and potential new ones, but residents only have until March 9 to complete the online survey.

Under current laws people caught breaking dog fouling rules in Warwick district may be prosecuted with a maximum fine £1,000 or given a fixed penalty charge. 

Cllr Jim Sinnott portfolio holder for safer, healthier and active communities commented: “Protection Orders aren’t about restricting people from using public spaces but aim to make these areas safe and welcoming for all by preventing behaviours and activities which could cause distress to members of our community.

"The review and update of our PSPOs will help us to do this effectively and reassure our residents that we are looking out for their wellbeing and their safety.” 

The online survey asks residents whether new PSPOs should be introduced to penalise people using barbecues or bonfires in local parks, urinating or defecating in public, catcalling or wolf whistling and riding bicycles or e-scooters "in a manner likely to cause an obstruction, alarm, distress, or annoyance".

See the survey here.

(Image by P L Chadwick via geograph.org.uk)