DOG owners across the Wellington and Wiveliscombe areas are to be told later this year where they can and cannot exercise their pets.

Somerset Council wants to bring in a county-wide public spaces protection order (PSPO) which it said would see ‘consistent enforcement of dog control measures’.

It has asked every town and parish council in Somerset to review their public spaces and recommend whether dogs should be banned completely, allowed on a lead, or allowed off-lead.

The review has to be completed by March 20, after which the unitary authority plans to run a six-week public consultation during the summer before deciding which areas of the county will be targeted by the PSPO.

Wellington Town Council chief executive Dave Farrow said: “The position in Wellington is that the previous district councils for the area did not have a PSPO for dog fouling.

“This review will ensure there is one in place.

“I have asked the open spaces manager to consider what our ask may be for any new order for the town over and above what is required by way of play areas and playing fields.”

Mr Farrow said the town council’s environment committee would consider what response to give to the Somerset authority’s consultation.

A Somerset Council spokesperson said currently, different areas of the county had separate dog control PSPOs, each requiring review every three years.

This created administrative burdens, inconsistent enforcement, public confusion, and reduced effectiveness in addressing dog-related anti-social behaviour.

It was proposed to replace the ‘patchwork’ of existing orders with two comprehensive PSPOs, one covering dog fouling and the ability to order dogs to be put on a lead in all areas where the public have free access, and the other identifying dog exclusion zones and a mandatory requirement for keeping them on a leash.