Public Space Protection Orders

Public Space Protection Orders replace the previously called ‘Dog Control Orders’ and allow Councils to specify an area where activities are taking place that are or may likely be detrimental to the local community’s quality of life. Public Spaces Protection Orders, therefore, impose conditions or restrictions on people using that area.
In public areas with Public Spaces Protection orders, you may have orders to:

• Not allow your dog to enter certain places (e.g. children’s play areas, beaches at certain times of the year).
• Keep dogs on leads in certain areas.
• Clear up dog faeces (in any land which is open to the air and to which the public has access).
• Put dogs on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer.
• Limit the number of dogs you can have with you (this would also apply to professional dog walkers).

The offences do not apply to working dogs or guide dogs ‘where appropriate’.

The penalty for an offence is a fine up to £1000.00 if the matter goes to court or a fixed penalty notice.

Defences may include having a reasonable excuse for failing to comply or acting with the consent of the owner/ occupier of the land.

Get the expert advice you need on public space protection orders

To see how we can help get in touch with us today:

• call: 0113 2440597 / 0113 2247840
• email: fourlegslaw@cohencramer.co.uk
• request a call back with the form on this page.