PSPO consultation: Tackling irresponsible dog ownership in the London Borough of Camden

Overview

The Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 came into force in October 2014. The Act made significant changes to the powers available to local authorities, the police and partners in tackling antisocial behaviour.

The Act introduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) as a new power. PSPOs allow local authorities to restrict a wide range of negative behaviours that have a detrimental effect on people in public spaces.

Why your views matter

We recognise that the majority of dog owners are responsible and take care of their pets. There are a minority of irresponsible dog owners who don’t.

We are considering the introduction of a PSPO in Camden to tackle the issues around antisocial behaviour associated with irresponsible dog ownership. Under any new order, police and accredited council officers would be able to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £100, to people in charge of dogs who are breaching the agreed prohibitions that will be reviewed as part of this consultation. 

PSPOs also replace some of the powers that are currently being used in Camden, including Dog Control Orders. The current requirements around Dog Control Orders can be included in a new PSPO to address irresponsible dog ownership. Dog Control Orders currently cover the following behaviour:

• Failing to clear up dog faeces by the person in charge of the dog.
• Failing to comply with a request to leash a dog, by an authorised officer on any land to which the Order applies.
• The person in charge allowing their dog to enter land to which the exclusion element applies. These exclusion areas include the following:
  • Children's play areas
  • Fenced sports areas
  • Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) on housing estates
  • Nature conservation areas
  • Flower beds and planted beds
  • Camden Square Gardens (north)
  • Chalcot Square Gardens (all)
  • Primrose Gardens (south)
  • Fortune Green picnic area

Residents and businesses are being asked for their views on whether or not a PSPO should be put in place to tackle irresponsible dog ownership, the terms of its use and for any other comments, including any details of possible alternative options as well as arguments against the proposals.

The consultation will run from Wednesday 11th May to Wednesday 3rd August 2016.