A new law coming into force on June 29 means dog walkers could face on-the-spot fines of up to £500. Local authorities and councils will gain the power to issue these increased penalties for breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs).
Changes Under the Crime and Policing Act 2026
The Crime and Policing Act 2026 will raise the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for such breaches from the current £100 to £500. This change is set to take effect at the end of June, giving councils greater flexibility to tackle issues like dog fouling and public drinking.
John Roberts, chief services officer of Kingdom Local Authority Support, commented: "The Crime and Policing Act 2026 is due to give local authorities unprecedented powers to combat issues such as dog fouling and public drinking."
What This Means for Dog Owners
In areas where PSPOs are in place, dog owners may be required to keep their dog on a lead or put it on a lead if instructed by a police officer, a police community support officer, or a council representative. Owners may also be prevented from allowing their dog into certain areas, such as farmland or sections of parks. Additionally, restrictions on the number of dogs a person can walk at one time apply, including to professional dog walkers.
The Government website advises that dog owners should always clean up after their pet and carry a poop scoop and disposable bags at all times.
Council Responsibilities
Local councils are obliged to inform the public of any areas where PSPOs are in force. If a council intends to introduce a new PSPO, it must display a notice and publish details on its official website. The notice must clearly state the area to which the new PSPO will apply, along with details of any accompanying map and where it can be viewed.
Roberts added: "The legislation increases the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice level for breaches of PSPOs and CPNs from £100 to £500. It's important to note that this is not an automatic increase, but it does give councils the ability to set penalties at a higher level where appropriate."
