Borough Council Consults on Dog Control

West Devon Borough Council want to hear your thoughts in a consultation about West Devon’s Public Space Protection Orders for dog control. 

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) deals with potential anti-social behaviour in an area which could have a damaging effect on the quality of life for those in the local community. It can ban certain actions, or need specific actions to be carried out, in this case, controlling dogs in public areas. 

The Council appreciates that the majority of dog owners pick up after their pets and control their dogs effectively. However, they want to encourage those who don’t abide by the rules to be more responsible, and these Protection Orders will help with that.  

The current Orders run out in October this year, so they need to be consulted upon now and then agreed ready for the next three year period.  

The current review affects all existing PSPOs within the Borough and the Council want to hear what you think. Additionally, the Council are considering introducing the following new Orders:

 ·        Limiting dog walkers to walking four dogs at any one time

·        Dog walkers to carry dog bags at all times to collect their dog’s waste

·        Dogs to be kept on leads on roads within 30mph speed zones

The consultation runs from Monday 1 June to Friday 31 July 2020.  Borough Council officers can issue fixed penalty notices up to £100.00 for those who don’t follow the Orders.  

West Devon Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environment, Cllr Caroline Mott, said: “It’s really important that as many people as possible give us their views on the existing Orders within their area.  We already have so many responsible dog owners in West Devon who have perfect control of their dogs and we want these numbers to rise.  

“There are however a minority of people who still throw bags of dog waste in hedges; hang them from trees or leave to pick up later.  Even in a field, animals can become infected, or waste ends up in bales used for feed. These Orders will help to combat some of these issues as they give us greater powers to fine those who aren’t respecting our public spaces. 

“We have three new proposals which we want to hear views on.  The first suggests reducing the number of dogs being walked by one person.  This is a growing issue with dogs sometimes in packs of seven or eight under one person’s responsibility, which can lead to difficulties with control.  The second, which I feel is a sensible requirement and one which most people do already, is that all dog walkers must carry waste bags at all times to clear up after their pets.  The final one is ensuring the safety of everyone by keeping dogs on a lead while in a 30 mph controlled highway area. 

“So, please take a few minutes to tell us what you think, before the consultation ends on Friday 31 July.”

Once the consultation is closed, a decision will be made before any changes start from October 2020.  

 If you would like to share your thoughts about the proposals, please contact the Environmental Protection Team on: pspoconsultation@swdevon.gov.uk 

Or by post to:                  Environmental Protection Team

                                          West Devon Borough Council

                                          Kilworthy Park

                                          Drake Road

                                          Tavistock

                                          PL19 0BZ