Dog Owners Face Immediate Fines Under New Public Space Protection Orders

Dog owners across the UK are now subject to immediate fines if they fail to comply with new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) aimed at reducing dog fouling in public areas.

These regulations empower local councils to issue on-the-spot fines of up to £100 to individuals who do not clean up after their dogs or cannot demonstrate they have the means to do so.

In Manchester, the city council has extended its PSPOs, making it an offence to allow a dog into restricted areas, fail to pick up dog fouling, or not have the means to do so.

Offenders could receive a £100 Fixed Penalty Notice or face fines up to £1,000 if prosecuted.

Similarly, Carmarthenshire County Council has extended its Dog Control PSPO until June 2028 to tackle irresponsible dog ownership.

Since its introduction, the council has received over 3,400 complaints related to dog fouling and control, issuing 136 fixed penalty notices and pursuing seven prosecutions.

In Doncaster, several individuals have been prosecuted for breaching the PSPO by not having the means to pick up dog foul.

Fines have ranged from £220 to £440, with additional costs and victim surcharges imposed.

Hackney Council has also implemented a PSPO outlining how dogs should be controlled in public spaces.

Offences include failing to remove dog faeces, allowing dogs into restricted areas, and not keeping dogs on leads in specified zones.

Failure to comply may result in an £80 penalty or prosecution with fines up to £1,000.

In York, a city-wide PSPO has been approved, allowing council officers to fine individuals for not controlling or picking up after their dogs.

Fines will be mailed to offenders as fixed penalty notices.

Monmouthshire County Council has introduced a PSPO requiring dog owners to clean up after their pets and carry appropriate means to do so.

Breaching this order can result in a £100 fixed penalty notice or prosecution with fines up to £1,000.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council has implemented a borough-wide PSPO to combat dog fouling.

From September 2025, breaches will result in a £100 fixed penalty notice, with the possibility of prosecution and fines up to £1,000.

East Lindsey District Council enforces a PSPO to reduce problems caused by dogs in public spaces.

Offenders may receive a £100 fixed penalty notice or face prosecution with fines up to £1,000.

Gwynedd Council has extended its dog control orders until August 2027.

Between December 2023 and September 2024, the council issued 33 fixed penalty notices for dog fouling offences.

Milton Keynes City Council has a PSPO in place making it illegal to fail to pick up after a dog in public places.

Offenders may receive a £100 fixed penalty notice, with the possibility of prosecution for non-payment.

These measures reflect a nationwide effort to address the persistent issue of dog fouling and promote responsible pet ownership.

Dog owners are urged to familiarize themselves with local PSPOs to avoid fines and contribute to cleaner, safer public spaces.