DOG owners have set up a group to give pets a voice over plans to restrict where their four-legged friends can go in Oxford’s parks.

The Fellowship of Responsible Oxford Dog Owners (Frodo), was formed by Olivia Robinson and Hayley Hitchcock to lobby for canine-friendly parks.

Oxford City Council has proposed control orders that would increase the fine for dog fouling from £50 to £80.

The plans could see a limit on the number of dogs one person can be in charge of at one time, a ban on dogs in play areas and powers for staff to require dogs are put on a lead.

The group said improvements to children’s play parks, such as Cowley Marsh Park, are squeezing out dog owners.

Miss Robinson, 35, of Crescent Road, Cowley, said: “The city is making a lot of changes at the moment to public space, many of which are fantastic.

“In Marsh Park, where we walk, they’ve built cricket nets, improved and increased the size of the children’s play area and marked out a new football pitch near the Gillians Way entrance.

“However, dog walkers are feeling the squeeze.

“It’s difficult to let your dog run off lead in a park when there are so many areas marked out for other users.

“We find ourselves with less and less space to exercise our dogs in.”

Ms Hitchcock, 34, of Churchill Road, Cowley, who owns a Staffordshire bull terrier cross calledCharlie, suggested specific areas for dogs, a move the council said it is considering.

She said: “Please don’t forget that some of us – many of us actually – are dog owners.

“Where is the area in Marsh Park for people to let their dog run free and safely and away from the public who do not want to be greeted by a big slobbery dog?

“What would it cost to create a dog park?

“Probably nothing.”

Mark Lygo, city council executive member for sport, play and school liaison, said the council was working with the group.

He said: “After children, dog owners are the next biggest users of parks so we hope our discussions will be very positive.”

He said former tennis courts in Cowley Marsh Park “would be a great place for people to use as a dog park”.

You can contact Frodo by email at info@frodo.co.uk