Promoting responsible dog ownership

Blaby District Council is seeking views on the renewal of a legal order giving the authority and police extra powers to reinforce responsible dog ownership.

A Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) on dog control in the District expires in November. It covers three areas, dog fouling, use of leads and areas where dogs are excluded.

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.

First introduced in 2016 the PSPO is renewed every three years. The Council has launched a consultation on the renewal, asking people if they feel the order is still fit for purpose.

The consultation, which closes automatically at 11.45pm on Sunday 27 July, can be found here: https://eu.surveymonkey.com/r/DogControlPSPO

Under the existing PSPO owners are obliged to: 

• pick up and remove any dog mess while out with their pet on public land 
• carry a bag or other suitable receptacle to pick up and remove the dog mess 
• put the dog on a lead when directed by an authorised officer 
• 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 
• not take any dog into enclosed children’s play areas, whether on a lead or not  

Councillor Les Phillimore, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Environmental Services, said: "We have had a PSPO reinforcing responsible dog ownership in place since 2016 and it’s worked well. As it is due to expire we want people’s thoughts on extending it for a further three years and whether the conditions are fit for purpose.

"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 everyone in the District to feel safe and comfortable when out in their communities as well as ensuring dog owners have the flexibility to exercise their pets."

Councillor Les Phillimore
Portfolio Holder for Housing, Community and Environmental Services