DOG owners who don't clean up after their pets could be targeted by tough new dog control orders after a public consultation revealed dog fouling was one of the top concerns for Torfaen residents.

Torfaen Council's recent consultation, 'What Matters to You' also revealed residents were contacting the council with concerns about dogs straying, running around out of control, frightening children and disturbing residents and visitors using parks and other local facilities.

The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 allows local authorities to adopt powers called dog control orders, to deal with dog owners who: - fail to remove dog mess in a nominated area, - fail to keep their dog on a lead in a nominated area, - refuse to put their dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer, - permit a dog to enter land from which dogs are banned, - take more than a specified number of dogs onto land.

A consultation has now been opened to decide if any of the dog control orders are needed in Torfaen.

For more information visit https://mysay.torfaen.gov.uk/consult.ti/DogControlOrders/consultationHome, email commercial.services@torfaen/gov.uk or write to the Animal & Pest control Team, Floor 4 County Hall, Cwmbran NP44 2WN.