Dogs crackdown is off leash

Sandwell Council drew up a review of the way dogs are walked through the borough's streets and open spaces earlier this year.

But it prompted an angry backlash from pet owners. It included banning people from walking any more than six dogs at a time, barring the animals from certain areas of parkland and cracking down on dog fouling.

The council shelved the proposals because it was concerned the new rules were too confusing.

But over the weekend, cabinet member for community safety and partnerships Councillor Derek Rowley revealed that a simplified version of the proposals would be published later this year.

He said: "We were concerned that the proposals were not very clear and there was some confusion.

"We are going to be drawing up a new set of proposals based on some of the ideas we have gathered, but a simplified version so that everyone is clear on the type of thing we are looking at.

"It is vital we involve everyone in this project. That is the only way it can be a success."

The current legislation on dog fouling and the control of animals in public places has expired to make way for new rules. The authority had planned to introduce new restrictions in July.

It included banning dogs from certain areas, such as play areas and cemeteries.

Instead, the council had sought views on a number of possible "dog exclusion" areas, including some areas within parks.

It is not yet known when the new plans will be aired.