Dog owners across England and Wales are being urged to familiarise themselves with a critical set of local authority regulations that could see them hit with substantial penalties, including court action and a fine of up to £1,000. The warning centres on Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), which apply to designated public areas.
Understanding Public Spaces Protection Orders
Previously known as Dog Control Orders (DCOs), Public Spaces Protection Orders are legal instruments issued by local councils to manage behaviour in specific public spaces. Where a PSPO is in force, dog owners are legally obligated to adhere to its conditions. A common requirement is keeping a dog on a lead, but the rules can extend much further.
According to official UK Government guidance, a PSPO can legally require owners to follow six key rules. Ignoring these can result in an on-the-spot fixed penalty notice of £100 or, if the case proceeds to court, a fine of up to £1,000.
The Six Essential PSPO Rules for Dog Walkers
The government stipulates that under a PSPO, owners must:
- Put their dog on a lead if instructed to do so by a police officer, police community support officer, or a council official.
- Prevent their dog from entering certain prohibited places, such as specific sections of a park or farmland.
- Adhere to limits on the number of dogs walked at one time. This rule also applies to professional dog walkers.
- Always clean up after their dog.
- Carry the means to clean up after their dog, such as poop bags or a scoop.
- Keep their dog on a lead in the designated area.
Council Responsibilities and Public Information
Local authorities have a duty to clearly communicate where PSPOs are active. Councils must inform the public through signage in areas like parks where dogs may be restricted. If a council plans to introduce a new PSPO, it is required to publish a notice on its website and display physical notices.
The council must also specify the precise geographical area the order covers and indicate if a map of the restrictions is available, detailing where that map can be viewed.
Serious Legal Consequences for Out-of-Control Dogs
Separate from PSPO breaches, dog owners face severe penalties if their pet is deemed dangerously out of control in any location, public or private. This law applies to all breeds, including those not on the banned list.
The potential consequences are stark: an unlimited fine, a prison sentence of up to six months, or both. Owners may be banned from future dog ownership, and the dog could be destroyed.
The penalties escalate dramatically if injury or death occurs. Allowing a dog to injure someone can lead to a five-year prison sentence, while using a dog deliberately to injure someone may result in a charge of malicious wounding. If a dog kills someone, the owner faces up to 14 years in prison. Injuring an assistance dog, like a guide dog, carries a potential three-year prison term.
Which Dog Breeds Are Banned in the UK?
In addition to PSPO rules, it is illegal to own, sell, abandon, give away, or breed certain types of dog in the United Kingdom. The banned breeds are:
- Pit Bull Terrier
- Japanese Tosa
- Dogo Argentino
- Fila Brasileiro
XL Bully dogs are also completely banned in England and Wales. In very specific circumstances, an owner of a banned breed might obtain a Certificate of Exemption, but this is subject to strict criteria.
Dog owners are advised to check their local council's website for details of active PSPOs in their area and ensure they understand all their legal responsibilities to avoid costly penalties.
