Council approves new laws to help prevent dog nuisance

Published on 17 November 2020

Public Space Protection Orders to keep the Moorlands free from dog fouling and nuisance dogs have been approved by the District Council.

The PSPOs replace the previous Dog Control Orders, which expired in October, and require people to keep their dogs under control and to pick up after them.

The Orders cover, but are not limited to, parks, public gardens and open spaces including land owned by town and parish councils, cemeteries, footpaths, footways and highways.

They are effective for a period of three years and came into force in October to ensure there was no gap in the provision provided.

Councillor Mike Bowen, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "Everyone should be able to enjoy public spaces which are free from dog fouling and where dogs are kept under control so they don't cause a nuisance to other people.

"By ensuring the new PSPOs were approved in place before the previous control orders expired, we're making sure we're doing our bit to keep shared spaces clean, safe places for all our communities and I would urge everyone to play their part as well by being mindful of the impact of their action on others."

It is an offence not to pick up after your dog or not to put dogs on leads when requested to do so by Council enforcement officers. Failure to do so could mean you receive a £100 fixed penalty notice or face prosecution where the maximum penalty is a £1,000 fine.

Where the person in charge of a dog is under 16 their parent or carer will be responsible for the offence.

You can view a copy of the PSPO on our website here: https://www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/PSPO

Anyone witnessing dog fouling can report it online: https://myforms.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/DOGFOULING/launch