On the 10th April 2024 approval was given for a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Dog Controls in Monmouthshire. This new Order will apply in Monmouthshire for a 3 year period, from the 1st June 2024 to the 31st May 2027.

The Order introduces 5 types of restrictions. It is an offence to contravene any of these restrictions:

1. DOG FOULING

Requires a person in charge of a dog to clean up if the dog defecates on any public space in the county.

2. DOG BAGS

Requires a person in charge of a dog, in any public space in the county, to have an appropriate means (e.g. a dog poo bag) to pick up any faeces deposited by that dog and to show they have bag(s) if requested to do so by an authorised officer.

3. DOG ON LEAD BY DIRECTION

Requires a person in charge of a dog, in any public space in the county, to put the dog on a lead of no more than two metres length, when directed to do so by an authorised officer, where the dog is considered to be out of control or causing alarm or distress or to prevent a nuisance.

4. DOGS ON LEADS AREAS

Specified public spaces, identified through consultation, where a dog needs to be kept on a lead of no more than two metres in length. There are 20 listed in the PSPO and are identified by location plans.

5. DOG EXCLUSION AREAS

Specified public spaces, where dogs are excluded. There are 180 listed in the PSPO and are identified by location plans. These have been identified through consultation as requiring further protection from dog fouling because of the main use of the area. These are predominantly marked sports pitches, children’s play areas, school and leisure centre grounds.

What will Happen Next?

Warning signs will be placed at appropriate locations across the county including each of the new Dog Exclusion and Leads Only areas.

What is the penalty for failing to comply with a public spaces protection order- dog controls?

Monmouthshire CC will offer a fixed penalty notice of £100 for offences contained within the public spaces protection order-dog controls. Failure to pay the fixed penalty notice will result in the authority taking legal action which may result in a maximum fine of level 3 on the standard scale, which is currently £1,000.

Who can I contact about the public spaces protection order – dog controls?

If you have any queries regarding the public spaces protection order- dog controls please contact:

Environmental Health, Monmouthshire County Council, County Hall, The Rhadyr Usk NP15 IGA Telephone 01873 735420 environmentalhealth@monmouthshire.gov.uk