Agenda item

Report of the Group Director of Services

The Group Director of Services submitted a report (previously circulated) seeking Members views on the renewal of the Dog Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) as part of the consultation process.

The submitted report stated that the current dog PSPO was introduced on 31 January 2021 and was due to lapse on 31 January 2024; as part of a review on the possible extension of the order, a statutory period of consultation was approved by Cabinet on 3 July 2023 based on the existing order; and the outcome of the consultation and would be considered at a future meeting of Cabinet.

It was reported that whilst the majority of dog owners and walkers behaved responsibly, dog related anti-social behaviour was a concern to some residents, businesses and visitors; a PSPO was designed to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in an area; and the areas covered by the dog PSPO were outlined.

Members were informed of the fines issued since the PSPO’s came into force; noted that the responsibility for renewing existing PSPO’s rested with the Council; that consultation must take place with the local police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, the owners and occupiers of any land included in the PSPO and wider consultation with representatives from the local community; and an 8 week consultation process commenced in July. Members also noted the fines relating to failure to comply with a PSPO and that any PSPO introduced would be for a three year period.

Discussion ensued regarding the permittance of dogs in cemeteries; and following concerns raised in relation to the enforcement of offences, Members were informed of the staffing levels for enforcement and that enforcement was intel led. Members queried the use of the Report It app to report concerns relating to dogs and highlighted the need for updated signage in certain public spaces to align with the PSPO.

RESOLVED – That, as part of the consultation process, Cabinet be advised that this Committee supports the renewal of the existing Dog Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on the proviso that the consultation process does not identity a requirement for amendments to the PSPO.