A partnership initiative aiming to promote and encourage responsible dog ownership has now launched across all five local authority areas in Gwent.
We launched the LEAD (Local Environmental Awareness on Dogs) initiative in the Caerphilly borough in September 2023, and have worked with community safety partners to introduce measures to increase safety in our communities.
Through the project, we've provided advice to the public on dog-related issues, improved dog safety and welfare and cracked down on anti-social or inconsiderate behaviour involving dogs.
The LEAD initiative enables partners to share intelligence and implement a range of measures such as warning letters, acceptable behaviour contracts and, ultimately, enforcement action if appropriate.
With all councils on board, we will work together to ensure dogs are looked after, and not used in a way that could cause harm or disorder in our communities.
T/Deputy Chief Constable Mark Hobrough, who is the National Police Chiefs’ Council's lead on dangerous dogs, said:
"I'm pleased to welcome four more partners to the LEAD initiative, which will see us work together to promote safe dog ownership and keep the public safe.
"LEAD has been recognised nationally as best practice for promoting responsible ownership and we'll work with dog owners to encourage and support this behaviour.
"But, we also remain committed to delivering a clear message that if anyone fails to comply with the interventions, we'll take enforcement action when appropriate.
"I'm proud to say the adoption of the LEAD approach is widening, and that we're the first Welsh force to work with the Blue Cross, who offer responsible dog ownership courses to educate owners.
"Today's launch demonstrates our commitment to working with partners to ensure our communities remain safe and dog owners are acting with the best interests of their pet and neighbours in mind."
For more information on LEAD, visit https://www.gwent.police.uk/police-forces/gwent-police/areas/campaigns/campaigns/2024/lead.
Members of the public are urged to call the local authority for noisy dogs, dog fouling, illegal breeding or stray dogs.
Call Gwent Police on 101, or message via Facebook or Twitter for illegal breeds, organised dog fights, dangerous dogs or anti-social behaviour with dogs.
In an emergency, always dial 999.