SIGNS have been put up reminding members of the public that dogs are not allowed on South Lakeland District Council (SLDC)-owned sports pitches. 

Breaches of the rules – an effort to tackle the problem of dog-fouling – could result in £100 on-the-spot fines or penalties of up to £1,000 at court. 

Cllr Eamonn Hennessy, SLDC portfolio holder for customer and locality services, said: "We know that the majority of dog owners act responsibly and clean up after their pet, but the behaviour of a small number of owners has been putting players’ health at risk.

"I’m very pleased that we have been able to take action on this issue, which has been such a concern to club officials, players and parents.

“Excluding dogs from our council-owned playing fields is the best way to keep players safe."

James Pattison, a Kendal United player and football development officer at Westmorland County Football Association, said: “It’s been quite common for managers turning up on training days and matchdays to find dog mess on the pitch either before the game or even during the game.

"We’ve had incidents where players have fallen in it, stepped in it or got it on their hands."

The rules are enforceable via public spaces protection orders that were introduced in October 2021.