It appears, many local authorities are increasingly extending Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO’s). These orders can force dog owners to keep their dogs on the lead in specified public areas. In some public spaces, such as parks, beaches and car parks, dogs are not permitted access at all. Holidays4Dogs looks into the impact of PSPO’s on dog owners in the UK.
However, many councils are now considering extending existing PSPO’s as Sefton council in Merseyside explains – “ as a welcome measure to tackle out of control dogs”.
The current PSPO order for Sefton was approved in April 2024. The order is set to run until 2027, as part of a campaign to raise awareness about responsible dog ownership. Dog owners may not interpret this as very ‘welcome’, especially when many feel they are already limited access to places where dogs are allowed off lead.
Animal welfare needs.
The RSPCA are of the opinion that, in order for owners to meet their dog’s welfare needs under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, they need to have appropriate exercise, socialisation and the opportunity to express normal behaviour. 
Where dogs are excluded from open spaces, the RSPCA suggest – local authorities should ensure other open areas are available nearby for dog owners to exercise their pets.
However, according to the PDSA PAW report the dog population has grown by 1 million since 2021. This is a significant increase and dogs have to be exercised somewhere. But – it also puts added pressure on local authorities.
With more dogs, there comes a potential increase in the number of people who do not act responsibly.
This includes an increase in dog fouling and dogs out of control. This can spoil the enjoyment of public spaces for other people – whether they are dog owners, or not.
PSPO enforcement.
However, while PSPO’s are being renewed and often, extended, year on year – how will these policies be enforced? In some areas this may include dedicated anti-social behaviour officers, housing officers and park wardens. Other districts, may collaborate with police officers and/or police community support officers.
In the benchmarking section of a government report for Tower Hamlets in July this year, several other local authorities were contacted for their views on effective implementation of PSPO’s.
While it was reported there was little resistance by members of the public at the consultation stage, many local authorities did admit, the lack of enforcement officers meant PSPO offences could not always be policed effectively.
This means, in many areas, the impact of PSPO’s on dog owners is actually low, because there are no resources to enforce the rules. However, if caught not complying with a PSPO, dog owners can be issued with an on the spot fixed penalty notice, or fine.
Alternatives to PSPO’s.
Therefore, many people may ask – why implement such draconian measures in the first place? The Local Government Association point out that PSPO’s should be used proportionately and responsibly and only as a means to address anti-social behaviour. They suggest that PSPO’s are not the answer to everything – one would argue, particularly where this cannot be policed. Alternative measures include awareness raising campaigns and public engagement.
On the other hand – is this enough?
In urban and built up areas, where many residents own dogs, PSPO’s probably have a place – central London or Birmingham, for example – where dog fouling is likely to cause the most problem.
Petplan report that in 2021, Nottingham council received the most complaints about dog fouling. Sandwell council in Birmingham came a close second. In addition, larger conurbations are more likely to have resources to enforce PSPO’s which, perhaps, makes them a more justifiable measure.
How many UK councils impose PSPO’s orders which could affect dog owners?
While researching for this article, Holidays4Dogs found numerous councils across the UK seeking to re-new or change Public Space Protection Orders in respect of dog control.
As an example, the Vale of Glamorgan were seeking to impose a beach ban at Ogmore-by-Sea, a ban on dogs at Barry Waterfront, as well as several other areas of common land and open spaces where dogs must be kept on the lead.
Similarly, in West Northampton, the council have a dogs on lead policy at all times in Upton Country Park, as well as Northampton town centre. Dorset council have orders in place which prevent anyone from having a dog off-lead in parks, formal gardens, within 5 metres of a sports pitch, or on the Rodwell Trail, (Weymouth). In addition they include, any council owned car parks, walkways close to beaches and some beaches themselves.
Conclusion.
Over the last few years many local authorities have imposed
public space protection orders which affect dog owners. It is a good idea to check your local council website for details of where dog restrictions are.
In addition, if you are on holiday in the UK, look out for signage which should tell you when your dog must be on the lead, or areas where dogs are excluded.
In addition, it is worth noting that if your dog is deemed to be ‘out of control in a public place’ this can be anywhere – not just areas designated under PSPO orders.
We all have a duty to act responsible when it comes to taking our pets out in public. Not least because – the more society sees out of control dogs – the more likely it is dog restrictions will be increased to include many more public spaces. If this happens, the impact of PSPO’s on dog owners, will most certainly increase.
