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Decision details

Public Spaces Protection Order for Dog Fouling

Decision Maker: Executive

Decision status: Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

To seek approval for a new Public Spaces Protection Order to prohibit dog fouling in public open spaces.

Decisions:

Councillor Alistair Wray, Executive Member for Environment, introduced the item, the purpose of which was to consider a proposal to consult on the adoption of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to prohibit Dog Fouling.

 

In his presentation the Executive Member made the following points:

 

  • The proposals sought agreement to launch a public consultation on the introduction of a PSPO on dog fouling in the district.
  • It was proposed to make it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to clear up after it.
  • The PSPO was intended to help keep streets, footpaths, parks and open spaces clean for residents and visitors to the district.
  • The PSPO intended to require owners to carry suitable means of disposal of waste when exercising their dogs
  • There were intended to be exemptions for assistance dog users and some people with disabilities.
  • Dog fouling could be a health risk in particular to children.
  • If adopted the PSPO would provide officers with additional enforcement powers, including issuing fixed penalty notices of £100 and it could lead to prosecution with a maximum fine of £1,000.

 

Councillor Wray proposed accepting the recommendation in the report.

 

Councillor Sandra Coleman, Executive Member for Stronger, Healthy Communities, seconded the proposal and added that she felt that this was a responsible way to tackle such a problem. Councillor Coleman further noted that, while most people were responsible, in some locations this was not the case and the PSPO would provide an effective way to deal with the problem.

 

Councillor Graham informed the meeting that the consultation would run from 24 July 2026 to 4 September 2026 and invited comments and suggestions from all.

 

The proposal was put to the vote and were agreed unanimously.

 

The Executive resolved to:

1.    Approve the proposal to undertake a consultation on the Public Space Protection Order for Dog Fouling.

Report author: Philip Measures

Publication date: 17/07/2026

Date of decision: 15/07/2026

Decided at meeting: 15/07/2026 - Executive

Date comes into force if not called in: 25/07/2026

Call-in deadline date: 24/07/2026

Current call-in Count: 0

Accompanying Documents:

 

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