The Council is seeking the views of Mid Devon residents on the proposed strengthening of dog control powers to reduce anti-social behaviour arising from dogs.

A consultation on a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), is being held between Friday 21^st May and Friday 18^th June and pending the views of the public, could be in place for the next three years.

A PSPO is a measure designed to stop individuals or groups committing anti-social behaviour in a public space introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. It enables local authorities to impose restrictions to tackle nuisance and problem dog behaviour.

The proposed PSPO is expected to directly contribute to reducing anti-social and dangerous/aggressive dog and dog fouling incidents occurring in particular areas that are having, or are likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life for those who live, work or play within the locality.

The proposed PSPO is intended, to:

• prohibit dog fouling in all Public Spaces areas within the District of Mid Devon where the public have access;
• require dogs to be on leads in cemeteries, churchyards and parks which are named identified in the PSPO;
• require any dog to be put on a lead when requested by an authorised council officer or police constable;
• exclude dogs from the enclosed play areas which are named in the PSPO;
• require all persons in charge of a dog to have the means to pick up dog faeces in Public Spaces; and
• limit the number of dogs walked at a time by one person to six.

It is also proposed that a breach of the Order could result in either a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 or prosecution.

Vicky Lowman Environment & Enforcement Manager, Mid Devon District Council said

“Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) enable Local Authorities to deal with a particular issue in a particular area that is having a detrimental effect on the quality of life for those in the local community.

Our aim is to keep our parks and open spaces as welcoming as possible for all visitors to enjoy.

Most people are conscientious; however, a small minority are not, and this can spoil the enjoyment of our open spaces and parks for everyone else

The Council welcome your comments on the proposed order.”

Plans of the areas named in the draft PSPO, along with a copy of the draft PSPO are available to view at:

https://www.middevon.gov.uk/your-council/consultation-involvement/current-consultations/

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The proposed Order and Plans can be inspected at the Council offices - Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane Tiverton EX16 6PP.

Opening Hours at Phoenix House:

Monday to Thursday - 1.00 pm - 5.00 pm

Friday - 1.00 pm - 4.30 pm

Please telephone for an appointment 01884 255255 if you wish to wish inspect the order at the Council offices.

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If residents would prefer to receive an electronic or paper copy of the survey, they can email streetscene@middevon.gov.uk to request one. Completed copies of the survey can either be returned via the same email address or posted to:

Street Scene Services

Phoenix House

Phoenix Lane

Tiverton  EX16 6PP