Decision details

Following consultation this report seeks Executive approval to make a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), relating to dog fouling, in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

The Executive authorised the commencement of necessary consultation on a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) relating to dog fouling in the Borough at its meeting on 2^nd November 2015.  This consultation has now finished.  It is therefore proposed that if the order is authorised, that a campaign be undertaken to raise awareness of the issue and encourage residents to report dog fouling.

Fareham Borough Council currently relies upon a byelaw to prosecute people who do not clear up after their dog has fouled.  Prosecution is however intended to be “last resort” enforcement measure, is expensive and not always in the public interest.  Authorised officers were previously able to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) for this offence under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.  The Act has now been repealed, along with the ability to introduce Dog Control Orders, and this means FPNs can no longer be issued without a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) being in place.

The Council consulted with residents on the proposed PSPO and the majority expressed their support.  A number of dog fouling hot spots were also identified by respondents.  This information will help to target both enforcement resources and the ‘take the oops out of poops’ anti dog fouling promotional material.  The Executive approved a budget of £2,780 for the awareness campaign.

RESOLVED that the Executive:

(a)  authorises the making of the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (Fareham Borough Council) 2016; and

(b)  delegates authority to the Head of Parking and Enforcement to carry out all necessary publicity required by virtue of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (Publication of Public Spaces Protection Orders) Regulations.