Issue - meetings

The report of the Director – Neighbourhoods is attached.

It was RESOLVED that the renewal of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Dog Control, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be approved, to take effect from 8 July 2025, and for the data relevant to the PSPO to be reviewed annually by officers to ensure its effectiveness.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety, Councillor Inglis, presented the report of the Director – Neighbourhoods, detailing the Public Space Protection Order PSPO (Dog Control), which was due to expire on 8 July 2025 and to consider its renewal.

Councillor Inglis referred to the large increase in dog ownership since the Covid pandemic, and whilst both acknowledging and thanking the majority of dog owners, who were responsible, he stated that it was unfortunate that a small minority were not, hence the need for the PSPO. Through the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014, local authorities had powers to introduce measures to address ASB in public places, with any enforcement intelligence led, to remain fair, appropriate and proportionate, as detailed in paragraph 4.1 of the report.

Cabinet noted that a six week public consultation period had taken place between February and March 2025, as referred to in Appendix 2 to the report, which sought views on the proposal to extend the PSPO and to control the number of dogs being walked by one person at any one time. Councillor Inglis stated that other councils and relevant agencies had also been consulted for best practice and consistency. 75.64% of responses supported the renewal of the PSPO, with paragraph 4.6 detailing the four elements of control proposals. Feedback also supported that the number of walked dogs needed to be restricted, with suggestions that a maximum of four to six dogs would be appropriate. It was felt that fixing the number to four could be too restrictive for professional dog walkers, so Councillor Inglis advised that at this time a maximum of six was proposed, which was proportionate and consistent with other councils. He stated that an annual review would be undertaken to ensure the PSPO remained effective, especially to the number of dogs under a single persons control, in addition to the review criteria detailed in paragraph 4.3. It was noted that the consultation had highlighted particular problems with dog fouling on three of the Council’s sports pitches, as detailed in paragraph 4.4, and to try to reduce those issues, the maximum number of dogs in those areas would be limited to four. Cabinet noted that the Parish of Tollerton would now be included, so the report covered all the public spaces in the Borough.

Councillor Inglis concluded by thanking the Head of Public Protection and the Environmental Health Team for their hard work in preparing the PSPO.

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Upton referred to the public consultation, and the new limit of six dogs, or four in specific sites, and stated that in his experience it was rare to see a person with six dogs or more, and it was likely that the instances of this was quite low. Councillor Upton stated that he understood the issue regarding professional dog walkers and the implications around that; however, overall he felt that this was a reasonable number, and given that it would be reviewed annually he was happy to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61