The Issue

Our sports fields are vital community spaces, used every week by children, families, and local clubs. However too often, these areas are spoiled by irresponsible dog owners who allow their pets to foul or roam freely on marked pitches. This isn’t just unpleasant, it’s dangerous. Dog mess left on pitches poses a serious risk of infection, particularly from toxocariasis, which can cause life-changing illnesses, including blindness. Children and young people, who come into the closest contact with the ground while playing, are the most vulnerable.

We are calling on the Vale of Glamorgan Council to take decisive action to protect local players, coaches, and volunteers by implementing and enforcing a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to ban dogs from all marked sports pitches across the county.

 

In 2017, Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order that tackled the growing issue of dog fouling head-on. Under this order, dog owners are legally required to carry waste bags, clear up after their pets immediately, and most importantly, keep dogs out of schools, children’s play areas, and marked sports pitches managed by the council. The policy is clear, firm, and fair. Anyone who breaches these rules faces a £100 fixed penalty notice, with fines increasing if unpaid.

RCT didn’t stop at legislation — they backed it up with strong enforcement and public awareness. Dedicated enforcement officers regularly patrol high-risk areas, respond swiftly to reports from sports clubs and residents, and issue penalties when rules are broken. The council also ran an extensive education campaign, with bright, visible signage and ground markings reading “No Dogs on Pitches” and “No Dog Fouling”. The community quickly recognised the seriousness of the issue, and the majority of responsible dog owners supported the change.

Since its introduction, RCT’s PSPO has been renewed several times following positive feedback and clear results. The combination of enforcement, education, and community cooperation has made their sports pitches cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable for everyone, a model we believe the Vale of Glamorgan should follow.

 

We are asking the Vale of Glamorgan Council to adopt a similar approach by introducing a Public Spaces Protection Order that clearly prohibits dogs, whether on or off the lead, from entering marked sports pitches across the county. This should be supported by visible signage at all relevant parks and playing fields, with messages that leave no room for confusion. Enforcement officers should have the power and resources to patrol regularly, respond to reports, and issue fines where necessary.

It is equally important that the Council communicates the reasons for this rule clearly to the public. Educational campaigns, social media messages, and local outreach can all help dog owners understand the dangers of fouling and the health implications for children and players. By combining firm rules with strong communication, the Council can ensure that responsible dog owners feel supported while irresponsible behaviour is addressed.

We also urge the Council to work closely with local sports clubs, schools, and community groups to create a simple reporting system for fouling incidents or rule breaches. Clubs already spend hours cleaning pitches before games to protect their players, so support from the Council would make a huge difference.

 

Our local sports grounds are not dog walking areas, they are places where children learn teamwork, discipline, and confidence through sport. Dog fouling on pitches threatens that environment and exposes players to real health risks. Even when visible mess is removed, bacteria and parasites remain in the soil, putting everyone at risk.

This issue is not about targeting responsible dog owners, who make up the vast majority of our community. It’s about holding a small minority accountable for behaviour that puts others in danger. Implementing a PSPO, as Rhondda Cynon Taf has done, would send a clear message: we value our parks, our young people, and the health of our community.

 

 

 

We, the residents of the Vale of Glamorgan, urge the Council to follow the proven example of Rhondda Cynon Taf by introducing a Public Spaces Protection Order that bans dogs from sports pitches, enforces penalties for breaches, and raises awareness of the dangers of dog fouling on sports fields.

By taking a zero-tolerance approach to this issue, the Vale of Glamorgan can protect our players, preserve our pitches, and set a new standard for community responsibility.

 

Sign this petition today to support cleaner, safer sports fields in the Vale of Glamorgan. Together, we can protect our children, support our local clubs, and ensure our playing fields remain places of pride and safety for everyone.