Following huge support for the introduction of Waverley’s Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) for dog fouling and dog control in January 2019 and January 2020 respectively, the council is now reviewing the dog controls in place and want your views.
The original orders remain valid for three years and so now need to be reviewed and, if appropriate, replaced.
The first PSPO relates to dog fouling issues which were affecting residents and visitors to the borough. This requires dog owners to clean up and dispose of their dog mess in an appropriate place i.e., a bin or taking it home.
The second PSPO relates to a range of dog control issues which were also impacting the community. This includes the requirement for owners to keep dogs on leads in certain areas (such as public highways which have a speed limit of 30mph or less or areas popular with children and families). The order also gives an Authorised Officer the ability to ask an owner to put a dog on a lead where appropriate.
In addition, there is an absolute prohibition of dogs from specified areas such as fenced children’s play areas, other leisure places, ornamental gardens, and cemeteries.
PSPOs (Public Spaces Protection Orders) are aimed at ensuring public spaces can be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour. They are not about stopping the responsible use of public spaces - but they do provide councils with a tool to tackle persistent issues that are affecting their communities.
Those that breach PSPOs without a reasonable excuse are committing an offence and, as a result, the council or police can carry out enforcement action and issue fixed penalty notices to offenders. Those who do not pay can be subject to prosecution.
You have until Friday 24 February 2023 to submit any comments on the PSPOs and the survey can be found on the council website at http://bit.ly/DogPSPOSurvey
Councillor Andy MacLeod, Waverley Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Operational and Enforcement Services, said: “Our original feedback showed that many people were in favour of having PSPOs for dog control and dog fouling, both of which have been a blight on our communities. These have been working effectively, however, the time has come to ensure the original orders are still appropriate and proportionate.
“I would encourage people to take a few moments to complete the survey, the views of our residents and those who visit the borough are extremely important to us and will help us ensure we continue to address the issues of dog fouling and nuisance behaviour and keep the borough a beautiful place to visit and enjoy.”
Further information, including the orders and maps of affected areas can be found at: https://www.waverley.gov.uk/DogPSPO
Comments can be emailed to: dogpspo@waverley.gov.uk or sent to: Environmental Services (PSPO Consultation), Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming, GU7 1HR.