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People in Rossendale will be asked for their thoughts on dogs in public places.

Rossendale Council is launching a consultation into a Public Space Protection order to introduce amended dog controls across the borough.

In 2009, the council brought Dog Control Orders in parts of the borough covering offences including not removing dog waste,

failing to keep on a dog on the lead in designated areas and failing to adhere to exclusion orders.

But in 2017, these were converted to PSPOs and now the council wants to review them.

It is proposed to include two new measures in the updated PSPOs.

A limit on the maximum number of dogs walked at one time could be set at five.

As per the current orders, it is proposed dogs would be banned from play areas and sports pitches, and must be kept on a lead in parks and cemeteries.

They must also be put on a lead if directed by a council officer.

And dog walkers could be required to carry a “poop bag” or other means to pick up after their dog has fouled.

The consultation will last for eight weeks and after it was approved at the council’s cabinet meeting on February 13.

Public protection manager Phil Morton said: “Failure to review existing dog control orders and transitional PSPOs will mean that the council will not be able to deal effectively with the issues around dog control or provide an adequate enforcement function across the borough.

“The cabinet could consider a ‘do nothing’ approach and continue to enforce the existing orders.

“However, there will not be a review of these until October 2020 to assess if they are effective, address the anti-social behaviour in question and if the orders are in place in the correct areas.”

Last year, the council agreed a 12-month trial to tackle people who failed to pick up after their dog.

Private enforcement officers from the firm District Enforcement issue on-the-spot fines, with dedicated officers patrolling the borough’s streets and parks seven days a week, targeting hot-spots identified by the council.

District Enforcement will retain the income from the fixed penalty notices it issues.

It will also carry out the administration and take any court action necessary.