Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced on 27 July 2016 following consultation with citizens and stakeholders regarding adopting new dog control measure relating to:

• dog fouling
• excluding dogs from certain areas
• requiring dogs to be on leads in certain areas
• encouraging responsible dog ownership

A report was taken to the Council’s Executive on 15 June 2016 and the proposed PSPO approved. Read the report including the consultation responses received Read the report including the consultation responses received.

The PSPO was extended for a further 3 years on 27 July 2019 and for a further three years on 27 July 2022 with additional locations added. We have added these in the table below.

A report was taken to the Council’s Executive on 2 March 2022 and the proposed PSPO extension and new locations were approved. Read the report here.

The PSPO covers four key offences

• The Dogs Exclusion Order: The effect of the Order is to make it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to permit the dog to enter or remain on any land to which this Order applies.
• The Dogs On Leads Order: The effect of the Order is to make it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to ensure that a dog is kept on a lead on any land to which the Order applies. 
• The Dogs On Leads by Direction Order: The effect of the Order is to make it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to put that dog on a lead under the direction of an authorised officer on any land to which the Order applies.
• The Fouling of Land by Dogs Order: The effect of this Order is to make it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to remove faeces forthwith from any land to which the Order applies.

Failure to comply

Failing to comply with a PSPO is an offence which carries a maximum penalty upon conviction of a fine not exceeding £1,000. Offences may also be dealt with by way of a fixed penalty notice of £75.

Signage to look for

The PSPO dog control signs can be found in many locations around the borough, especially frequently used public spaces such as the town centre, cemeteries and local parks and playgrounds. Each sign is colour coded for the specific dog control and will usually be located near entrances or exits so members of the public can view them easily.

• Copy of the Dog Control PSPO (PDF)

Areas covered by the PSPO