Dog control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)
A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) was created by the 2014 Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act to deal with any nuisances or problems in a particular area that affects the local community's quality of life. PSPOs impose conditions or restrictions on people using that area.
The PSPO for dog control came into effect on 27 March 2024 for a period of three years. It replaces the four Dog Control Orders which were previously made by the council under the provisions of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005
A PSPO has the force of law. If you ignore it you can face a fixed penalty fine or prosecution.
The PSPO for dog control imposes restrictions to:
- Require dog owners to remove dog faeces
- Require dogs to be kept on leads within land that is used as a memorial, burial ground, cemetery or garden of remembrance
- Require dog owners to put their dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer. This will apply to any public land where a dog is considered to be out of control or causing alarm or distress
- Exclude dogs from a dog exclusion zone (see the maps showing the dog control areas)
View the PSPO for dog control and the maps showing dog control areas.