DOG owners could find they are no longer able to exercise their pets in some areas if new control orders are brought in.

East Staffordshire Borough Council is currently asking people which areas in the borough should see a ban on dogs unless they are kept on a lead.

Anyone who flouts the rules will be hit with a £75 fine if the move is approved.

Under the plans, dog owners would also be fined for failing to clean up after their pooch, letting their dog off the lead in a designated area, failing to place their dog on a lead when asked to do so, or letting a dog enter areas from which they are excluded.

The council has defended its plans saying it wants to promote responsible dog ownership and help create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.

It is currently asking parish councils, residents and community groups what they think of the proposals and which areas could be suggested as "designated areas".

If approved, dogs must be kept on leads on all pavements across East Staffordshire.

Areas where dogs may be banned include the Weaver Lodge and The Willows play areas in Uttoxeter Heath.

A council spokesman said: "The locations where these restrictions could be introduced are subject to a public consultation which began this week, and residents have 28 days to respond.

"Land where orders can be introduced includes playgrounds, sports fields where organised sporting events take place on a regular basis, places where dogs could affect the enjoyment of others, for example parkland used for picnics, or anywhere with a history of dogs spoiling the enjoyment of other users."

Councillor Bernard Peters, deputy leader for environment and leisure, said: "Anyone who owns a dog must take responsibility for it, and not allow their dog to enter a designated dog free zone for example, or leave its mess for someone else to clean up.

"Dog Control Orders will enable us to address these and other issues through the system of fixed penalty notices.

"They will make it much easier for the public to understand where dogs can and can't be exercised, and what conditions will apply.

"They are not intended to discriminate against the vast majority of responsible dog owners, and I hope those dog owners will work with us to eradicate and help educate those who have no regard for the mess and nuisance caused by dogs that become out of control.

"We intend to take action against the few who have no regard for other people's enjoyment of our public areas."

Andy Jones, aged 45, who walks his Jack Russell on the Bramshall Road park, admitted there is a problem.

He said: "Dog fouling is a big problem. I always clean up after my dog. I hope that dog owners will be more careful when walking their animals on the pavements or public places."

Staffordshire Police Inspector Jav Oomer said the problem had been mentioned at community action meetings.

He said: "Dog Control Orders give our PCSOs the power to issue fixed penalty notices, which can only act as a deterrent to irresponsible dog owners.

"This is another good example of the police and local authority listening to what local residents are saying and acting on it."

Residents can have their say on the proposals over the coming weeks. Full details of the orders are available at www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk and the Customer Service Centre in Uttoxeter.