Issue details

To address the issue of dog control within the borough of Fareham, authorisation is sought to undertake a formal consultation on making a Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control), in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

At its meeting on 7 March 2016, the Executive authorised the making of a Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Fouling) 2016.  A PSPO can be made for a maximum duration of three years, after which it may be extended.

The current PSPO will expire on 31 March 2019 unless it is extended.  However, instead of extending this current order, there is an opportunity to make a new order that not only includes dog fouling but other restrictions covering dog control at the same time.

The proposed PSPO would include restrictions on the following:

·         Fouling and means of pick up

·         Dogs on lead by direction

·         Maximum number of dogs

·         Dogs on leads; and

·         Exclusion of dogs.

Appendix A outlines what the proposed PSPO could consist of and includes three schedules of proposed locations where the restrictions would apply.

Before introducing a PSPO the Council is required to carry out a consultation.  It is proposed that an 8-week consultation will be publicised widely through the Council’s website and E-panel, Twitter, Facebook, press releases to local media and email to community groups.  Contact will also be made with mandatory consultees, such as the police and HCC as well as vets and organisations affected by the restrictions contained within the order.  Consideration will also be given to the affect the order will have on people who rely on assistance dogs.

Copies of the order will be placed in the main reception of the Civic Offices.  The consultation will also ask residents to identify areas that they think are dog fouling hot spots or areas where dog control has been an issue.