Dog control order extended for further three years to combat fouling, strays, and walkers failing to put a pets on leads

The dog control order has been extended for a further three years.

Durham County Council introduced the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on dog control in June 2017, which was valid for three years.

Offences under the order include failing to pick up dog mess, allowing a dog to stray, failing to put a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer and allowing a dog into any fenced-off play area named in the PSPO.

According to council bosses, the order has had an impact with a 32% reduction in stray dog reports, a 45% reduction in dog fouling, and a 18% reduction in dog fouling warden investigations between June 2017 and May 2020.

Earlier this year, the local authority opened a consultation on the extension of the PSPO to address issues of dog fouling, public safety and strays.

This came back with 98% of respondents thinking an extension was a good idea.

Town and parish councils were also consulted on the extension, with a small number asking for a variation for their locality to include fenced-off play areas which were not included in the PSPO.

Following the consultation, the PSPO measures have now been extended until May 2023.

DCC’s neighbourhood protection manager, Ian Hoult, said: “More of us are walking in our neighbourhoods as we stay local during the coronavirus outbreak.

“Whilst discovering new walks is a great joy, discovering someone’s dog mess is not.

“Now, more than ever, we all recognise the value of our local communities and the ways in which we need to look out for and respect one another.

“The great support for the extension of the PSPO really reflects that.

“Taking responsibility for our four-legged companions protects our shared environment, such as play areas, to create clean, safe places to live and enjoy.”

Anyone caught flouting the rules can be issued with a fixed penalty notice by council neighbourhood wardens and police community support officers.

For more information on advice for dog owners, penalty information and the council’s #FollowOurLead campaign, visit www.durham.gov.uk/dogcontrol

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