Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

On 7 October 2021 the Council introduced a new Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for a duration of 3 years in order to ensure that dogs are kept under proper control in Public Spaces, as well as to tackle dog fouling.

Public Spaces are defined as land which is open to the air, including covered land which is open on at least one side and to which the public are entitled and permitted to have access, with or without payment; and excluding Forestry Commission Land.

The PSPO states that anyone in control of a dog in a Public Space must:

• Remove your dog’s faeces/mess
• Carry a bag (or other means) to clean up after your dog
• Produce a bag (or other means) to clean up after your dog if asked to by an authorised officer/police constable
• Put and keep your dog on a lead and under control in any of the cemeteries or churchyards listed in Schedule B
• Put and keep your dog on a lead and under control in any of the parks listed in Schedule C
• Put and keep your dog on a lead and under proper control at the request of an authorised officer/police constable
• Keep your dog out of any of the enclosed play areas listed in Schedule D
• Not walk more than 6 dogs at any one time

If you fail to comply with the PSPO then you could:

• be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days of the date of the Notice), or
• face court action which could result in a conviction and a fine of up to £1,000.

Links to the PSPO and the plans showing the dog control areas are listed below.

To report a dog fouling incident, please use our online Dog fouling Incident form.