Dog control measures - further information

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In October 2014 the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the Act) introduced new powers relevant to tackling Anti-Social Behaviour. In addition the Act made changes to existing legislation and councils were required to review existing Orders (made under previous legislation) and replace them with Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). PSPOs can be used to regulate activities in particular public places that can have a detrimental effect on the local community. They can help by giving local councils and local police additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in specific locations. PSPOs can remain in force for a maximum period of 3 years.

In October 2018 Cheshire West and Chester Council (the council) introduced a wide 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 Council owned cemeteries and crematoria.
  • Where a lead is required it must be a maximum of 2m in length (fixed or locked)
  • A maximum of 6 dogs per person can be walked together.
  • Dog walkers must carry sufficient means to pick up their dog foul.

In addition, a separate PSPO was introduced banning smoking from fully-enclosed children’s play areas that contain play equipment.

These PSPOs are due for review.

In October 2017 the council transferred the borough-wide Dog Fouling Order into a PSPO. This PSPO was reviewed again in 2020 and remains in force. For conciseness and clarity, this PSPO is included in the current review and will become part of the wider PSPO on dog control rather than a standalone Order.

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

How your views will be used

Feedback from the consultation will be considered by Cabinet in Autumn 2021 and used to inform decisions on renewing the measures to control dogs and prohibit smoking in fully enclosed children’s play areas should remain.

More information about the topics covered in this consultation can be found below:

In October 2014 the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the Act) introduced new powers relevant to tackling Anti-Social Behaviour. In addition the Act made changes to existing legislation and councils were required to review existing Orders (made under previous legislation) and replace them with Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). PSPOs can be used to regulate activities in particular public places that can have a detrimental effect on the local community. They can help by giving local councils and local police additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour in specific locations. PSPOs can remain in force for a maximum period of 3 years.

In October 2018 Cheshire West and Chester Council (the council) introduced a wide 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 Council owned cemeteries and crematoria.
  • Where a lead is required it must be a maximum of 2m in length (fixed or locked)
  • A maximum of 6 dogs per person can be walked together.
  • Dog walkers must carry sufficient means to pick up their dog foul.

In addition, a separate PSPO was introduced banning smoking from fully-enclosed children’s play areas that contain play equipment.

These PSPOs are due for review.

In October 2017 the council transferred the borough-wide Dog Fouling Order into a PSPO. This PSPO was reviewed again in 2020 and remains in force. For conciseness and clarity, this PSPO is included in the current review and will become part of the wider PSPO on dog control rather than a standalone Order.

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

How your views will be used

Feedback from the consultation will be considered by Cabinet in Autumn 2021 and used to inform decisions on renewing the measures to control dogs and prohibit smoking in fully enclosed children’s play areas should remain.

More information about the topics covered in this consultation can be found below: