Dog walkers in Plympton have been warned they could face fines if they allow their pets off the lead in designated sports areas. This move comes as part of a renewed effort by Plymouth City Council to keep local pitches clean and safe for football and rugby players.

Councillor Terri Beer, representing Plympton Erle, posted on Facebook to inform residents: 'Enforcement officers are out and about offering advice and issuing on-the-spot fines for dog fouling and littering. They will be visiting all our green spaces, so ensure you pick up after your pets and avoid littering.'

This isn't the first time dog owners in the region have been targeted. In 2019, residents in Plymstock were upset when the council enforced similar rules at King George V playing fields in Elburton, placing new signage and dispatching officers to catch violators.

The enforcement is backed by the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) – Control of Dogs, introduced under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act of 2014. This PSPO replaced four previous Dog Control Orders and consolidated them into one set of guidelines aimed at encouraging responsible dog ownership.

The PSPO outlines four key offences:

• Failing to remove dog waste immediately
• Allowing dogs to enter restricted areas
• Not keeping dogs on a lead where required
• Failing to put dogs on a lead when ordered by an authorised officer

According to the council, restricted areas include any sports and recreation fields where pitches are marked for use, such as football or rugby fields. A council spokesperson explained: 'Dogs must be on a lead on all council-owned or managed sports pitches within marked playing areas. This rule has been in place since 2008.'

Residents can find a complete list of areas where dogs must be leashed on the official Plymouth City Council website.