A review of the rules for dogs in public spaces has been approved for the Chichester District.
The council’s Cabinet approved the Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) at its meeting on Tuesday 6 October. This means the rules have now been extended for a further three years, with some small amendments.
The changes are designed to address public feedback and take into account the council’s experience in managing land and enforcement issues in relation to the current dog controls.
These amendments include allowing dogs on East Wittering and Bracklesham beaches from May to September — while retaining the dog exclusion zone on Selsey Beach during the same period — as long as they are put on a lead if directed to do so and that all dog mess is cleared up straight away.
The rules around dog fouling have also been strengthened to include additional footpaths and cycleways which were not previously covered.
The Dog Control Public Space Protection Order means that it is an offence for the following to take place in specific locations such as parks, playgrounds and public spaces:
- Failing to remove dog mess immediately;
- Not putting on and keeping a dog on a lead when instructed to by an authorised officer; and,
- Allowing a dog to enter an area from which dogs are excluded.
A breach of an order can result in offenders being issued an on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notice of £100.
Councillor Penny Plant, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Chichester Contract Services at Chichester District Council, says: “We want to make sure that everyone — with or without dogs — can safely enjoy the many beautiful public spaces we have in our district.
“We know that most dog owners are responsible, but unfortunately there are a small number who do not pick up after their dog or allow them to run out of control. Updating the Public Space Protection order for a further three years means that we can tackle these issues, which can negatively affect our communities, our wildlife, and spoil people’s enjoyment of our beaches and open spaces, while at the same time encouraging responsible dog ownership.”
The PSPO can be enforced by environmental protection officers, the council’s Foreshores team and litter enforcement officers from East Hampshire District Council.
