Dog owners face stricter controls in South Ribble

Many areas of South Ribble are currently covered by dog control orders which are to be replaced Pic: Doug Western

Parks, certain roads and other open spaces in South Ribble could have tighter controls on dogs.

South Ribble Borough Council is proposing the introduction of a public space protection order – it would restrict how many dogs one person can be walking at one time and see dog owners who do not have a poo bag with them face a fine.

Current dog control orders cover fines for letting dogs foul, exclude dogs from certain areas and also state dogs must be kept on leads in certain open spaces.

But the public space protection order would go a step further – meaning council officers could fine dog owners who do not carry a means to dispose of their dogs faeces.

The dog control orders, which expire in October this year, currently cover parts of Birch Avenue, Coupe Green, Dob Lane, Farington Park, Gregson Lane, Holland House, Hurst Grange, Hutton, King George playground, King George playing field, Kingsfol, Longton, Moss Side, Much Hoole, New Longton, Ryden Avenue, Tardy Gate, Withy Grove and Worden Park.

A spokesman for the borough council said: “South Ribble Borough Council is very keen to welcome dog walkers and dogs to the borough and wants to encourage responsible dog ownership. Where problems have been identified previously, there are currently Dog Control Orders in place.

However, Dog Control Orders will become redundant in October 2017. Therefore, the Council is undertaking a consultation with regard to the introduction of Public Space Protection Orders to replace existing Dog Control Orders. The Council has the power to make Public Space Protection Orders under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

“Public Space Protection Orders apply to public spaces where the activities that are taking place have a detrimental effect, or are likely to have a detrimental effect, on the quality of life of those in the local community.

“Guidance recommends that the Council review existing Dog Control Orders as these will be replaced by Public Space Protection Orders and, therefore, must comply with the new legal tests. Also, it is crucial that the new Public Space Protection Orders clearly reflect the level of restriction that the public feel is required. The changes proposed aim to create a more comprehensive and consistent approach when dealing with issues such as dog fouling, keeping dogs on leads and excluding dogs from specified areas.”

Residents are being invited to give their views on the proposals via an online questionnaire.

You can see the full public space protection orders on the borough council website.

What do you think about the proposals for South Ribble? Are you a dog owner? Let us know in the comments below