Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for Dog Control consultation

Tewkesbury Borough Council are undertaking a consultation on the re-introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for dog control within the Borough.

There were previously two provisions relating to dog fouling under The Public Space Protection (Tewkesbury) Order made in 2018. This order expired in 2021.

The Authority is now consulting on a proposal to re-introduce the PSPO for dog control but with some minor variations. We are proposing to include the following in the new PSPO:

1. Dog Fouling – Makes it an offence if a person in charge of a dog fails to clean up its faeces. Covering all public places in the Borough. This is defined as any place to which the public or any section of the public has access, on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission. (Included on 2018 order)
2. Failing to produce a receptacle for picking up dog faeces – This would require dog walkers to carry an appropriate receptacle for dealing with the waste that their dog/s produce. This requirement aims to ensure that dog walkers always have the means (i.e. a receptacle) to pick up their dog’s faeces. (Included on 2018 order)
3. Dog Exclusion – Makes it an offence to allow a dog into a childrens playpark which have been designated to exclude dogs. This will include all fenced/ enclosed children’s playgrounds. (New proposal)
4. Failure to provide details – This will make it an offence for anyone who has committed an offence under the order and who refuses to give their name, address and date of birth when asked by an authorised officer. Equally giving a false or inaccurate name, address or date of birth to an authorised officer will also be considered an offence under the order. (New proposal)

Next steps: All comments and feedback from the consultation and survey questionnaire will be considered before the PSPO is introduced.

Please follow the link https://www.tewkesbury.gov.uk/forms/pspo-consultation to make comments on the consultation by Friday 3rd June 2022.

Once a PSPO is implemented it will remain in place for 3 years after which it can be renewed. The PSPO can also be varied at any time within this period.

Please note that a registered blind person, or a person with a disability affecting their mobility, manual dexterity or ability to lift, carry or move everyday objects and who relies upon a dog trained by a prescribed charity for assistance is exempt from the dog fouling order.

If anyone fails to meet the requirements of the PSPO or to comply with a request from a authorised council officer they could be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of up to £100 or prosecuted.