‘Selfish’ dog owners have been slammed after figures revealed the number of dog fouling complaints in the town since 2014.

Warrington Borough Council is considering ‘various options’ for introducing a public space protection order to help address the issue of dog-related anti-social behaviour, as well as irresponsible dog ownership.

A consultation questionnaire will be published in the coming months and the council will be keen to hear from as many residents as possible to help decide on the future of dog control, including dog fouling, in the borough.

In 2014, there were 90 dog fouling complaints and 120 requests for signage urging people not to let their dogs foul, in 2015 there were 71 complaints and 214 signage requests, in 2016 there were 183 complaints and 70 signage requests, in 2017 there were 103 complaints and 67 signage requests and in 2018, up until June, there were 56 complaints and 36 signage requests.

Cllr Tony Higgins, executive board member for leisure and community, has raised concerns over the matter.

He said: “I’m very concerned that some selfish dog owners think it’s quite ok to allow their dogs to foul at our community parks.

“This act is not only selfish but costs the council hard-earned money in clearing it up.

“I’m immensely proud of the investment this council continues to make into our parks with many, such as St Peter’s Park, winning Green Flag Awards, so it’s important that dog fouling is challenged and those that continue to allow it to happen should be fined.”

The council says its enforcement officers are determined to hold irresponsible dog owners ‘accountable’.

Key information that can help officers includes details about the owner, details about the dog and where the fouling took place.

For further information or to report dog fouling visit warrington.gov.uk/dogfouling