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Dog Control Public Space Protection Order

Published: 11/10/2017

Flintshire County Council is introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) with regard to dog fouling and control on 20 October 2017. From this date, this PSPO will replace the out-of-date Dog Control Order to create a more comprehensive and consistent approach when dealing with issues such as dog fouling, keeping dogs on leads and excluding dogs from specified areas. In summary, this order covers the following: A person in charge of a dog will be required to: 1. Remove their dog’s waste from all public places in Flintshire. 2. Prohibit taking, or permitting the dog to enter or remain in,: a. all areas within school grounds; b. the playing areas of marked sports pitches (dogs are permitted on the area around the marked pitch); c. the playing areas of formal recreational areas including, but not exclusively, bowling greens and tennis courts; d. equipped children’s play areas. 3. Keep their dog on a lead within a cemetery. 4. Have the means on their person, at all times, to pick up their dog’s waste from all public places in Flintshire. 5. Put their dog on a lead, when directed by an authorised officer, if the dog is loose and causing a nuisance or annoyance to any other person, bird or animal. Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Public Protection, Councillor Chris Bithell, said: “Dog fouling has been and continues to be an issue in all our communities. The majority of dog owners are responsible but this PSPO will enable us to take action against those who are not. Responsible dog owners have nothing to worry about with the introduction of this PSPO.” The PSPO will be in place for a period of three years from 20 October 2017. Anyone found guilty of breaching the order is liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1,000. Breach of any of the conditions above would lead to the issuing of a fixed penalty notice of £75 by an authorised officer.