Agenda item

Report of Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services

The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report (previously circulated) seeking Members views on the report presented to Cabinet at its meeting on 5 November 2019 (also previously circulated), as part of the consultation process on replacing previous Dog Control Orders with Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), the introduction of wider powers concerning the walking and supervision of dogs, and the exclusion of dogs from cemeteries (with some exemptions).

It was reported that should the Council wish to enforce the provisions within the existing Dog Control Orders, which lapsed under legislation in October 2017, they would need to be replaced by 20 October 2020 with PSPO’s; and details were provided of the existing Dog Control Orders and proposed PSPO. A consultation period of eight weeks consider the implementation of Public Space Protection Orders for control of dogs had been approved by Cabinet at its meeting on 5 November 2019.

Details were provided on the engagement undertaken to date; the Cabinet Member with the Community Safety Portfolio had met with businesses and residents and was keen to engage with those that did not own dogs; and Members were advised of a proposal to undertake an education exercise with dog owners, covering all aspects of dog ownership.

Concern was raised in respect of the PSPOs; that this was a heavy handed approach to tackle dog fouling and did not address root cause; and Members suggested the use of community protection notices rather than PSPOs. The Cabinet Member with the Community Safety Portfolio made reference to the PSPO currently in place to address anti-social behaviour in the town centre which involved multi-agency engagement and problem solving; felt confident that this approach would be successful in respect of dog control; and advised Members that Community Behaviour Notices were being explored by the Councils legal services.

Following a question by Members, it was confirmed that fourteen fixed penalty notices had been issued for dog fouling and eight dog control offences between the period of 2016/17 to 2018/19; and that 730 requests to clean up dog faeces had been reported in this period. Members were advised that intelligence from residents had resulted in fixed penalty notices being issued; and that dog fouling was a difficult offence to capture.

Members queried the possibility of providing enclosed dog walking areas within the Borough and were advised that work was being undertaken to ascertain the feasibility of designated dog walking areas. 

RESOLVED – (a) That, as part of the consultation process, Cabinet be advised of this Scrutiny’s view that:

(i) consideration should be given to the introduction of a licensing scheme for individuals wanting to walk more than four dogs.

(ii) consideration should be given to the implementation of a phased approach in respect of the introduction of the Public Space Protection Orders.