Bradford councillors have backed moves to extend the authority’s powers to punish dog owners who let their animals foul public spaces.

At a meeting last night councillors voted in favour of adopting a Dog Control Order.

The order extends powers to serve fixed penalty notices for dog fouling and increases the fine to £80.

It covers areas of land previously exempt, including moorland such as Ilkley Baildon and Haworth moors, heathland, common land and woodland.

Members of Bradford Council’s Environment and Waste Management Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed to adopt the Dog Control Order.

A final decision will be made by the Council’s Executive on October 1.

Councillor Mike Ellis, deputy chairman of the committee, said after last night’s meeting: “Dog owners allow their dogs to defecate all over the place and why should children walking on moorland and canal towpaths be subjected to irresponsible dog owners who don’t clear it up?

“This order is something members have wanted for quite some time and I, personally, welcome it.”

Dog fouling was previously dealt with by the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 and subsequent Bradford by-laws.

Councils have been able to make Dog Control Orders under the Clean Neighbour-hood and Environment Act 2005. The previous law applied to all Council-owned open land to which the public have a right of access, and some private land.

However, it did not apply to land such as agricultural land, moors, heathland or roads with a speed limit over 40mph and their verges.

The new Dog Control Order relates to any land within the district’s boundaries which is open to the air and to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access.

It includes all access to Council land and in respect of major landowners, but does not apply to guide dogs and working dogs.

People with learning difficulties which prevents them moving dog faeces are also exempt from doing so.

Coun Ellis said: “The regulations that have been in place have been specific but this gives us a wider scope.”