“April this year I requested a motion to be brought to Full Council updating PSPO due to increased dog attacks in our Borough. Whilst I have not had the opportunity yet to bring this to Council until now, I was pleased to see amendments made to the PSPO in September with regards to dog fouling and prohibiting dogs in play areas. The ‘Wrekin Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) 2025’ is now online for public however is just an extra policy including original orders.
This is not enough in my opinion as it does not deal with the bigger issue preventing dog attacks.
In Telford and Wrekin, the number of offences
titled ‘Owner or person in charge allowing dog to be
dangerously out of control injuring any person or assistance
dogs’ are:
2023 – 113
2024 – 147
2025 – 132 up to 13th October
(Source: Athena investigations provided by West Mercia Police on request)
In 2024 there were 31,920 dog attacks in England and Wales and they continue to increase.
The above is based on attacks that have been reported. Many are not reported, with victims opinions that the ‘police won’t do anything’ or ‘I didn’t know I could report it’. Without data, we can not see the full picture.
Implementing stricter regulations for dogs wearing leads in high traffic areas including public parks and highway and mandating the use of disposable bags for dog waste cleanup, can significantly enhance safety and promote responsible pet ownership. These measures not only protect pedestrians and other animals from potential accidents or aggressive encounters but also foster a cleaner environment, boosting community well-being and encouraging more people to enjoy parks and public spaces. Telford and Wrekin need to cultivate a culture of responsibility among dog owners while enhancing the quality of life in the community.
A local elderly couple had their dog "ripped and tossed like a ragdoll" whilst on a lead and killed on the Esso fields in Donnington, the attacking dog was off lead. The distraught husband carried the blood soaked body home to his wife. She reached out to me.
I've personally had 2 small dogs off lead attack my dog on a lead in Donnington, where the owners were too scared of getting bitten by their own dogs to intervene. Lady in Newport dragged out of her wheelchair with dog off lead, horse attacked at the Granville by off lead dog, Elderly gentleman and son attacked by off lead dog in Muxton last year,….I am sure all Councillors in this room are aware of an attack by an off lead dog and continual reports on social media within their ward.
It is crucial for dog owners to respect the space and comfort of both people and other animals by keeping their dogs on a lead unless they have explicit consent for their dogs to approach. Phrases like “don’t worry, they won’t bite” are misleading and dismissive of the varying levels of comfort and vulnerability of others, including residents and other animals. Responsible pet ownership includes being aware of the impact one's dog may have on the community and ensuring that all interactions are consensual and safe.
Residents and I are not prepared to wait for more deaths, injuries and continue to tread in dog mess anymore. I am sure the following motion will be of good news to respectful dog owners, those who have been victims and members of the public.
To summarise, my motion is:
1. Enforcement of ‘dogs on lead policy’ in nominated public areas and all public highways.
2. Areas of order to be discussed with Ward councillors with 'best option' to eliminate or reduce risks fairly in their location, days and times.
3. Automatic fines implemented for owners found not carrying a dog waste bag.”
The motion will be seconded by Councillor Peter Scott.