Dog control order extended

A legal order giving extra powers to promote responsible dog ownership has been renewed for a further three years by Blaby District Council.

Approval was given for the extension of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on dog control at the recent Full Council meeting.

It follows a six-week public consultation on the measure which covers three areas, dog fouling, use of leads and spaces where dogs are excluded.

First introduced by the Council in 2016 the PSPO is valid for three years and is reviewed close to its expiry to ensure it remains compliant and relevant. The current order expires in November so the extension means no lapse in powers.

The aim is to ensure owners are mindful of their responsibilities while out with their dog, ensuring a clean, safe and pleasant environment for everyone. Breaches of the order can lead to fixed penalty fines of up to £100 or up to £1,000 if prosecuted.

There was overwhelming support in the consultation to keep the PSPO conditions: 

• pick up and remove any dog mess while out with their pet on public land – 94% agreed 
• carry a bag or other suitable receptacle to pick up and remove the dog mess – 94% agreed 
• put the dog on a lead when directed by an authorised officer – 78% agreed 
• keep the dog on a lead in areas specified by the order - enclosed graveyards, churchyards, burial grounds and the car parks and picnic areas of Fosse Meadows Nature Reserve – 76% agreed  
• not take any dog into enclosed children’s play areas, whether on a lead or not – 84% agreed 

Councillor Les Phillimore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Community and Environmental Services, said: "It’s gratifying to see there was huge support from residents for the extension of our PSPO reinforcing responsible dog ownership. It has been in place since 2016 and has worked well so it’s pleasing we can approve this extension.  

"People can report incidents of dog fouling and other anti-social behaviour involving dogs online but a PSPO allows us to investigate and take further action on information shared. We want our neighbourhoods to be safe and pleasant places for everyone while ensuring dog owners can enjoy their pets."

Councillor Les Phillimore
Portfolio Holder for Community and Environmental Services