Council takes common sense approach to dog fouling
As of 1 April 2016 a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to dog control will take effect across the Three Rivers district. It will replace a number of out of date by-laws and create a more consistent approach when dealing with issues such as dog fouling and the excluding of dogs from children's play areas.
As of 1 April 2016 a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to dog control will take effect across the Three Rivers district. It will replace a number of out of date by-laws and create a more consistent approach when dealing with issues such as dog fouling and the excluding of dogs from children's play areas.
The introduction of this Order will make it easier for Three Rivers District Council to deal quickly and efficiently with the small minority of dog owners who behave irresponsibly, while at the same time encouraging a culture of responsible dog ownership.
Geof Muggeridge, Three Rivers' director of community and environmental services, said:
"The vast majority of dog owners are responsible and caring and will welcome this step. Only a small minority do not always behave responsibly. Feedback from residents has consistently raised the issue of dog fouling and nuisance behaviour from a small number of dogs that are not under proper control.
"PSPOs take a common sense approach to make sure that adults and children can use and enjoy public spaces without experiencing such anti-social behaviour."
PSPOs were brought in under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They specify an area where activities are taking place that are, or may likely be, detrimental to the local community's quality of life, and impose conditions or restrictions on people using that area. This order represents a modern and effective way of enforcement when required and provides a practical method of dealing with an issue of constant concern for residents. It will bring a number of benefits, including the creation of a cleaner environment, reduction of health problems associated with dog faeces and the promotion of responsible dog ownership.
In detail, the restrictions are:
Dog Fouling (district wide), Dog Exclusion from children's play areas, sports courts and skate parks, dog exclusion also from fields at Chorleywood House grounds used for grazing (annually 1 June - 30 Sept inclusive), Dog on lead if directed to do so by an authorised officer (district wide), Dog on lead (only in area directly surrounding the café in the Aquadrome) and Restricting the number of dogs walked by one person to a maximum of four (district wide).