Halton Borough Council is consulting local people on proposals to create a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to help increase its powers to promote responsible dog ownership.
You are invited to share your views on these proposals by completing a survey online at www.halton.gov.uk/dogcontrol or paper copies are available at Direct Link shops.
The consultation runs from 6 July to 28 September.
Local authorities have the power to create a PSPO where activities are taking place that can have a detrimental effect on the local community’s quality of life.
Dog fouling and other forms of anti-social behaviour associated with irresponsible dog ownership are significant issues for many local people in Halton.
The Council recognises that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, pick up after their dogs and keep them under proper control. However, there is a minority of people who do not.
As well as seeking views on its proposals to continue with some existing powers and increase the number of locations where current control measures will apply, the Council is consulting on proposals to introduce a number of new powers. The controls that are being proposed as part of the new PSPO include;
- Dogs being excluded from defined areas of the borough
- Dogs being required to be kept on a lead in defined areas of the borough
- Dog walkers being required to carry bags to clean up after their dog has fouled
- A restriction on the number of dogs that an individual can walk at any one time.
Breach of a PSPO is a criminal offence and individuals who do so face being issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100. While the new PSPO would provide enhanced enforcement powers, the primary aim is to deter irresponsible behaviour by dog owners and reduce the need for enforcement measures.
The outcome of the consultation will be considered by the Executive Board in the Autumn.