Published: Wednesday, 8th November 2017
Cannock Chase Council consulted on the introduction of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to the control of dogs, during July and August this year. A significant response was received from the public and other interested parties and as a result the draft Order has been amended.
The Council, under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 still proposes to renew the existing Dog Control Orders in respect of dog fouling and dogs off leads.
In addition, the new PSPO will also consider the need to include further measures such as requirements to dispose of dog waste properly and prohibit dogs from specified children’s play areas; that dog owners have the means to clean up after their dog if they need to and to put dogs on appropriate leads when instructed to do so by an authorised 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 prosecuted.
The Council intends to issue fixed penalty notices where appropriate to enforce the proposed Order. The fine will be £100 and failure to pay may lead to prosecution.
Councillor John Preece, Portfolio Leader for Environment said, “I would like to thank everyone who has already got involved in the consultation on the PSPO. Due to the significant response we felt it was important to make some amendments, which is why we are re-consulting. The Order is important as it protects our public spaces and ensures the safety of the general public.”
“PSPOs are intended to address anti-social activities carried out in public and the proposed Order will identify a particular public space and either prohibit specified activities or require steps to be taken to ensure our public spaces are more welcoming for the community to use.“
“I would encourage everyone to have a look at the proposed Order and pass this information on to any groups that might have an interest”.
The consultation will run until 10 December 2017.
The survey and copies of the proposed Order are available from the Council`s area offices and can be viewed online at http://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/residents/environmental-health/environmental-protection/environmental-public-consultations/public
Alternatively, comments can be sent via post or email. Email comments should be sent to environmentalhealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk by no later than midnight on 10 December 2017.
Representations received after midnight on 10 December 2017 will not be accepted.
For more information about this consultation process, contact the Environmental Health team on 01543 462621.