FAQs
Dog Control PSPO FAQs
A ‘dog exclusion’ order, which would enable authorised officers to stop dogs from entering certain areas including children’s playgrounds, sports courts, multi-use games areas and marked pitches (where games are in-play) and do-free areas in parks.
A ‘dogs on leads’ order, which would enable authorised officers to stop people from exercising dogs off-leads in certain areas, such as wildlife conservation areas.
A ‘dogs on leads by direction’ order, which would grant authorised officers the power to request that dogs be put on leads where they are not under the appropriate control of their owner, or where they are causing damage or acting aggressively.
A ‘specified maximum’ order, which would enable authorised officers to issue penalties to those walking more than the maximum number of 4 dogs at any one time.
A ‘dog fouling’ order which would enable authorised officers to fine those that do not clean up after their dog.
A ‘poop scoop and/or disposable bag’ order, this would enable authorised officers to ask dog walkers to produce a clean-up bag which would be used to remove the faeces from the land on request.
A ‘Commercial dog walker prohibition’ from Brent Lea and Stamford Brook Common Recreation Grounds.
What does a Dog Control PSPO cover?
How would the PSPO be enforced?
If the person in charge of a dog fails to comply with the requirements of the order, following a warning from an authorised council or police officer, they will be issued with £100 Fixed Penalty Notice. The offender will be taken to court if the fine is not paid within the specified timeframe. A person guilty of an offence is liable on summary conviction to a fine unless:
1. They have the consent from the owner, occupier or person in charge of the land, not to comply with the order
2. They have a reasonable excuse for failing to comply, or
3. They fall within one of the other exemptions within the order
How long would the PSPO last for?
We are proposing that the PSPO lasts for three years at which point we would decide whether to renew it in consultation with residents.
What about assistance dogs?
Assistance dog users may be exempt from such prohibitions and we welcome their views on this matter.