More than 3,000 people have responded to a consultation which dog owners fear could see their pooches kept on leads in public places.

Three Rivers District Council has been consulting on introducing rules which could force dogs to be kept on their leads in public places.

Council documents suggest dogs could be forced to stay on their leads in the area around the Café in the Park, Frogmoor Lane, Rickmansworth, if the proposals are implemented.

However, the consultation sparked outrage when dog owners saw the question “how strongly do you agree or disagree that keeping dogs on leads should be extended to include other public spaces”, leading to fears dogs may be forced to stay on their leads on the Chorleywood Common and Chorleywood House.

The results of the consultation had been expected to go before Wednesday's Leisure, Wellbeing and Health Committee meeting. However, due to the sheer number of people who responded, the results will now be discussed in September.

Geof Muggeridge, Director of Community and Environmental Services said: "The survey received an overwhelming response, completed by over 3,000 people. We thank residents for the tremendous response to the consultation.

“Time is now being taken to analyse each response to ensure an accurate account is given. A further report, along with the findings of the survey, is expected to be discussed at the Leisure Wellbeing & Health Committee meeting on the 16 September 2015.

“The proposals are a means to tackle the minority of irresponsible dog owners, who allow their dogs to cause nuisance or distress to other members of the community"

The council is using new powers from the recently introduced Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to consider introducing the Public Spaces Protection Order, but if someone fails to comply, they could face fines of up to £100.

The consultation also asked residents about whether they would want the number of dogs being walked by one person to be limited to four per one person.