Dog Fouling Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) consultation

Overview

Community consultation is required to ascertain public support for Leicester City Council and Leicestershire Police to continue to enforce dog fouling and control issues within the city.

The current legislation, The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, The Dog Control Orders used by Leicester City Council to undertake enforcement to ensure responsible dog ownership in the city expires on 7 August 2016.

Consideration is needed at this time due to the reform of Anti-Social Behaviour Policing Powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

If Leicester City Council wish to continue to enforce responsible dog ownership the authority needs to adopt and implement enforcement via the Crime and Policing Act 2014 utilising a city wide Public Spaces Protection Order.

There is a need to enforce dog control across the city to ensure public spaces are clean and safe for all to enjoy. Responsible dog ownership enforcement via a public spaces protection order will aid the reduction of risk to the general public such as toxocariarsis from dog faeces; freedom from potential animal attacks and safeguarding the public and wildlife via the 'dogs on a lead' elements.

Why your views matter

Consultation is required to ascertain public support for Leicester City Council and Leicestershire Police to continue to enforce dog fouling and control issues within the city.

In relation to dogs and their owners, the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) would:

1. Exclude dogs from designated areas, not allow dogs within fenced children’s play areas, pets corner, cemeteries, ball courts, tennis courts, recreational areas and outdoor gyms etc.

2. Require dog faeces to be picked up by owners or any person in charge of the animal on any land which is open to the air to which the public have access, with or without payment.

3. Require dogs to be kept on leads; or placed on a lead if considered to be out of control upon request by authorised officers.   

4. Where required put in place other restrictions or requirements to tackle or prevent any other activity that is considered to have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality, or is likely to have such an effect.