Public Spaces Protection Orders

These are laws created by a local authority if there are ‘activities’ that are taking place in a public place which are having a ‘detrimental effect’ on quality of life on those in the locality.

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It may apply to:-

  • All persons, or
  • Only to persons in specified categories, or
  • To all persons except those in specified categories

There must be consultation with the Police, the local policing body and whatever community representatives the local authority thinks it appropriate to consult. Reasonable signage must be put up in the areas affected. The kind of laws often brought in include:-

  • Requiring dogs to be on a lead
  • Requiring faeces to be picked up forthwith
  • Limiting the number of dogs one person can have charge of
  • Banning dogs
  • Requiring appropriate means for picking up after a dog

Failure to comply with a Public Spaces Protection Order is a criminal offence which can be dealt with by a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100 or by a prosecution where the maximum fine can be £1,000.

The most widespread reason for Councils introducing any of these measures is due to dog fouling.
Please be responsible and pick up after your dog.

Please note that the above summary only relates to the law in England and Wales.

You must not rely on it as constituting legal advice and so for specific guidance on your particular doglaw issues please contact us – see our “How we can help” section for details.