Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) Consultation

What this consultation is about

In October 2018 the Council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering a wide range of dog control measures, while also encouraging responsible dog ownership.

These measures were maintained in 2021 following the statutory review.

In October 2021 Cheshire West and Chester Council (the council) reviewed the range of measures covering the control of dogs and encouraging responsible dog ownership. The measures currently in force are:

• Dogs are excluded from fully enclosed children’s play areas that contain play equipment.
• Dogs are excluded from Fully or Partially enclosed multi use games areas (MUGAs) and tennis courts.
• Dogs must be placed on a lead at the request of an authorised officer.
• Dogs must be on a lead in cemeteries and council maintained crematoria gardens.
• Where a lead is required, it must be a maximum of two metres in length (fixed or locked).
• A maximum of six dogs per person can be walked together.
• Dog walkers must pick up their dog foul.
• Dog walkers must carry sufficient means to pick up their dog foul.

In addition, a separate PSPO is in place which bans smoking from fully enclosed children’s play areas that contain play equipment.

Both PSPOs are due for review.

A breach of any of the provisions of the PSPOs is subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of £100 and, if a FPN is not appropriate, up to £1000 on prosecution. Further information is available on our website: Enforcement Policy

None of the provisions described above apply on Forestry Commission land.

Proposed changes

The only change suggested to the current provisions is the introduction of a provision to require dogs to be on leads at all times on council-managed bowling greens. No other changes are intended to the control methods in the current PSPOs, subject to the results of the consultation. This review is largely to ascertain whether the current control methods are still appropriate.

How to share your views

The Council would like to hear the views of all stakeholders – dog owners, users of our public spaces, community and sports groups, local residents, commuters and businesses.

There are a number of ways you can share your views:

• Paper copies of the information and feedback form are also available on request using the contact details below:
  • Contact the Public Protection team on 01244 973708 or speak to the Council’s Contact Centre on 0300 123 8123 quoting ‘Dog Control Consultation’.
  • Email your views to: dogs@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
  • Write to us at: Dog Control Consultation, Public Protection Service, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, CW7 1AH.
• You can also request a copy of the consultation in alternative formats, including easy read, using the contact details above.

The consultation will close on 14 July 2024.

How your views will be used

Once the consultation closes, the Council will consider the feedback received to help inform a decision on the proposal.

A summary of the consultation findings will be published on the consultation page of the Council’s website alongside feedback on the decision taken and the next steps.

If the Council decides to proceed with the proposals, the provisions would be introduced by way of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). This means that it would be advertised through the statutory PSPO process. Under the PSPO process the Council would be required to publicise the new PSPO.

Privacy Notice

If you would like to know more about how we use and store the information you give us, you can visit our privacy notice page.

Accessibility

Council information is also available in audio, braille, large print or other formats. If you would like a copy in a different format, in another language or require a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter, please contact us:

• Email: equalities@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
• Telephone: 0300 123 8 123
• Textphone: 18001 01606 867670