Time is running out for Isle of Wight residents to voice their opinions on the council’s plans to renew dog control measures across the Island.

The IW Council is currently consulting the public on whether to reintroduce the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), which aim to maintain the Island’s beaches and public spaces.

So far, more than 600 residents have participated in the survey, but the council is encouraging more Islanders to share their views before the consultation closes on Sunday (October 27).

PSPOs are renewed every three years, with a public consultation required before any changes are made.

Dog at the forestDog at the forest (Image: Pixabay) The current consultation seeks to gauge support for the existing rules, with the council not proposing any changes to the previous orders.

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These PSPOs are designed to encourage responsible dog ownership and include measures such as:

  1. Requiring owners to pick up after their dog in public areas, such as parks and open spaces
  2. Excluding dogs from selected beaches between May 1 and September 30
  3. Requiring dogs to be on a lead in Island cemeteries
  4. Restricting dogs from fenced children's play areas

The council will review all feedback before making any decisions, with the final order, including any potential changes, set to be agreed upon by the council's Cabinet in November.

Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox, Cabinet member for parks and open spaces, thanked residents who have already taken part and encouraged others to do the same.

"Your views are really important, and we will consider all the feedback received to help inform a decision on the proposals,” she said.

The survey, which takes just five minutes to complete, can be accessed on the council's website.