The city council is about to become one of the first in the country to adopt tough new powers to clean up the environment.
Senior officers have drawn up a list of "doggy don'ts" for which fixed-penalty notices could be given out.
They include having a dog off the lead on any road, pavement, footpath or gated alleyway in Manchester, as well as letting a dog roam on a sports field and taking more than six dogs into a park.
The proposals are likely to be agreed by the council's ruling executive at a meeting next week.
A report drawn up by officers says: "The new offence requires dog owners to ensure that their dogs are kept on leads in designated areas and that failing to do so can result in a fixed-penalty notice or prosecution.
"Dogs should be kept on a lead on the roadside to reduce the number of traffic injuries, and by adopting the order, we would be able to take enforcement action to ensure they are kept under control."
The proposed "designated area" is described as "all roads, pavements and footpaths". The council claims 85 per cent of park users asked about the plans in a survey said they agreed that not keeping a dog on a lead should be an offence.
Currently, wardens can take action against people who fail to pick up their dog's mess, with a maximum fine of é50. About 400 of these fines are given out every year. The council is also required to seize any stray dog.
The new powers are being brought in under the government's Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act.
Council sources indicated last night that the main target of the crackdown would be the owners of dogs left to roam about neighbourhoods.
Paul Murphy, executive member for direct services, said: "By ensuring that dogs are kept on leads, we will be able to take enforcement action against owners who let their dogs out to roam during the day.
"We already adopt a zero tolerance policy on dog fouling, but the issue with stray dogs is not just fouling, but the danger they pose on the roads."
david.ottewell@men-news.co.uk
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hear hear!
common sense prevails.
Shame we cant put offending owners on leashes.
400 fines a year?? i can find that many dogs fouling each month .the wardens are not worth paying. ive seen the dog warden drive past a man with two dogs while one was fouling the footpath last year its not worth reporting them???the amount of dog mess on the paths and pavements say that the wardens are not sending the message out or doing the job right?
What will happen when a loose dog who roams the streets on a daily basis because its owner doesnt care is traced and the dog is reunited with its owner along with a ??80 ticket !!!! a good hiding for the dog behind closed doors.
My dog only goes on his lead when we cross roads.Treat them with respect and kindness they will respond accordingly.Their instinct is to fit into society.As to dog fouling you will see the majority of owners cleaning up we all walk round with bags to deal with it.We dont need anyone to tell us what to do.
This is just typical. Owners who let their dog out every day and dont have a name tag will not get caught, whereas people whos dog has genuinely escaped out for the first time who will be made to pay. Its exactly the same as with car owners. People who drive death traps, speed and park illegally never get caught because the car is not registered to them. However, the council wont care as its law abiding citizens that they are after, because they are the only ones who are likely to pay the fine.