FLINTSHIRE council has relaxed its enforcement to dog owners during the coronavirus outbreak.

Flintshire Council is just one authority to have relaxed its policy on PSPO’s (Public Space Protection Order), but is urging dog owners to ‘recognise their responsibilities’.

This came after the RSPCA urged local authorities to explore relaxing the restrictions on where dogs can be walked, to help curb the possible spread of coronavirus.

Many Councils have previously introduced Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to stop dogs being walked in certain areas - including on local sports pitches. Concerns have been raised that these PSPOs can limit suitable dog walking spots within some communities.

However, with restrictions on people's movement now in place to help curb the spread of Covid-19, the RSPCA has urged local authorities to temporarily relax PSPOs related to dog walking to help stop unnecessary travel and to keep dog walkers exercising within their immediate communities.

Under new restrictions to tackle the virus, people may leave their home once a day for exercise. Each person in a household can use this opportunity to walk their dog - and the RSPCA has urged walkers to keep two metres away from others, keep dogs on leads and avoid contact with other people's pets to help tackle Covid-19.

A spokesman for Flintshire Council said: “All enforcement action until such time the current situation is over has been suspended.

“We would encourage all dog owners to recognise their responsibilities to the wider community and follow the clear and sensible advice given by the RSPCA when exercising their dogs.”

The RSPCA has also urged walkers to "keep dogs on leads" at this time - to help ensure social distancing and avoid owners having to come into close contact with one another should they have to go and retrieve their dog; or in the event of an incident which could cause a potential veterinary visit.

Dr Samantha Gaines, dog welfare expert and head of the RSPCA's companion animals department, added: “The RSPCA is reminding the public that - while each person in a household can walk their dog once a day - it is imperative they stay two metres away from others, and avoid contact with other people's pets when doing so.

“The RSPCA is concerned that if some dog owners do not have adequate space to exercise their dogs near their homes because of these local authority Orders, they may make unnecessary journeys - contrary to the UK and Welsh Government's advice to curb the spread of Covid-19.

“It won't be possible, appropriate or safe to relax PSPOs in all areas. However, where it is possible and safe to do so, we're urging local authorities to be flexible and consider relaxing enforcement of PSPOs on dog walking - to help keep people as close to home as possible to help tackle Covid-19; ensuring more people have adequate dog walking spots as near to their home as possible.

"All animal charities also face being impacted by this crisis - and we're urging the public to consider donating to support our work at this most difficult and unprecedented time.

“To help the RSPCA through this challenging time, please visit www.rspca.org.uk/give or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181 to help us."

The charity is also helping people to consider innovative ways they can keep their pets occupied and entertained when staying at home for long periods of time.