Published: Monday, 11th July 2022
Cannock Chase Council is consulting on a replacement of its Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to the control of dogs which has been in place since 2018.
This follows a consultation exercise in 2021, where the Council resolved to extend the original 2018 Order for a further three years.
In response to comments received during the consultation, and reports of incidents involving dogs, the Council now proposes to remove the current Order and make a new one in respect of dog fouling and dogs off leads.
The new PSPO, made under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 1984, will extend the areas from which dogs are excluded to include specified childrens’ play areas, tennis courts and multi-use games areas and will require owners to put dogs on leads when instructed to do so by an authorised Council or Police Officer.
Persons who fail to comply with the provisions set out in the proposed PSPO, without reasonable excuse, will be committing an offence and may be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice.
Councillor Justin Johnson, Portfolio Leader for Environment and Climate Change said, “It is important that the Council implements this Order as it ensures our public spaces can be used safely by everyone. I am sure responsible dog owners will welcome this Order as we have had a number of reports of dogs being attacked and injured by dogs off leads. It is the irresponsible owners, not their dogs, whose behaviour we are seeking to change.
“PSPOs are intended to address activities carried out in public spaces which are of an anti-social nature. The proposed replacement Order identifies public spaces and either prohibits specified activities or requires steps to be taken to ensure our public spaces are more welcoming for the community to use.
“I would encourage residents to have a look at the proposed Order and let us know their views.”
The consultation will run until 7 August 2022.
Copies of the proposed Order are available for inspection from the Civic Centre and can be viewed online here: (file no longer available)
Comments can be sent via post or email. Email comments should be sent to environmentalhealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk .
For more information about this consultation process, contact the Environmental Health team on 01543 464491.