Hundreds walk through Cardiff to protest council's dog ban proposals

Credit: Sara Jones

Hundreds have marched through Cardiff to protest the council's plans to ban dogs from marked sports pitches.

Organisers of the event say 600 people joined the protest which ended in a rally outside City Hall. More than 16,000 people have signed an online petition against the proposals being considered.

Campaigners worry the plans will Credit: Sara Jones

Cardiff Council says it wants to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in certain areas to help "prohibit or restrict certain activities".

Under the proposed restrictions dogs would be banned from all enclosed playgrounds, marked sports pitches, and schools that are owned or maintained by the Council.

Those opposed to the plan say it "punishes the majority and will not address the issue that irresponsible dog ownership presents".

A freedom of information request submitted to the council by campaigners reveals just four fines have been issued in the last year for dog fouling. Over three years the number of fines was just 69.

Campaigners say around 600 people joined the walk and nearly a thousand met at City Hall. Credit: Sara Jones

Organiser of the march, Clare Fanson, said the event was a "massive success". She said the consultation had been "badly handled" and said the proposals are "creating resentment and fraction through the community".

RSPCA Cymru have urged Cardiff Council to reconsider the proposals. They say a "negative view" of dog owners could be created by the ban.

Cardiff Council's consultation period for the proposals ends on Monday 22 October.