DOGS should be banned from beaches and children’s playgrounds in Gwynedd, according to a report that will go before cabinet members.

Gwynedd Council will review the report on the proposed Public Space Protection Order for Dog Control in the county, which would see old powers replaced by a range of new measures to keep dog fouling at bay.

It follows a public consultation involving 1,324 people, 78 per cent of whom wanted a seasonal ban on dogs from 18 specified beaches in Gwynedd, and 95 per cent of whom wanted a year-round ban on dogs from playgrounds. Many also stated they wanted the council to bring tougher action on dog owners who leave their pet’s foul in public places.

The report’s recommendations include:

• Dogs should be excluded from 18 specified beaches from April 1 to September 30, and excluded from children’s playgrounds, school grounds, sporting grounds and facilities throughout the years

• Those found not clearing up their dogs' mess in any public place will face on-the-spot fines

• Dog owners must keep their dogs on a lead if asked to do so by a Gwynedd Council enforcement office

• The council employ two dog control wardens who will work on behaviour change campaigns as well as enforcement

• More bins, free bags and new signs are introduced around the county.

Catrin Wager, Gwynedd Council cabinet member for highways and municipal matters, said the consultation shows that dog fouling “really concerns” residents in Gwynedd and that “it’s important that we listen and take action”.

“Most dog-owners take their responsibility very seriously and make sure to clean-up after them,” she said. “But we know that this isn’t true of everyone and the comments submitted in the public consultation underlines that this is something the council must continue to tackle.

“The public were clear that they are eager for us to step-up efforts to tackle dog fouling, and we have listened to what our residents have said. Should the cabinet support the introduction of these measures, I hope they will lead to a reduction of dog fouling on our streets, and will strike the right balance between dog restrictions and allowing dog owners space and freedom to exercise their pets responsibly.”

Gwynedd Council’s cabinet will consider the proposed new Dog Control Powers on Tuesday, 27 July.