Most dog owners know the drill – clean up after your pup and keep their microchip information such as your address up to date. But there’s a common slip-up that could land you with a pretty big fine on your next walk.
According to the official UK Government website, dog owners should be mindful of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). Previously known as Dog Control Orders, these regulations apply in certain public areas across England and Wales.
It means that if you’re walking your dog in one of these areas, it’s important to check whether a PSPO is in place, as failing to comply could lead to enforcement action. In public areas with PSPOs, you may have to keep your dog on a lead. You may also have to put your dog on a lead if told to by a police officer, police community support officer or someone from the council.
Other things you may need to do include:
- stop your dog going to certain places – like farmland or parts of a park
- limit the number of dogs you have with you (this applies to professional dog walkers too)
- clear up after your dog
- carry a poop scoop and disposable bags
If you ignore a PSPO, you can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) and fined £100 on the spot. If it goes to court, you may also be fined up to £1,000. The UK Government noted: “Local councils must let the public know where PSPOs are in place.” For example, if dogs cannot enter a park, there must be signs alerting owners to the rule. As well as this, if the council plans to put a new PSPO in place, it must put up a notice and publish it on its website.
The notice must tell you where the new PSPO will apply. It must also inform you if there’s a map and where you can see it. That’s not the only thing people need to remember. As the Mirror reported earlier this month, under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, owners must also ensure their four-legged furry pal is wearing ID whenever they’re taken out in public.
Their ID must have the owner’s name and address, either inscribed directly on the collar or on an attached plate or tag. Experts from D for Dogs cautioned: “You are legally required to put your name and address on your dog’s tag.
“A house number and postcode are all that is needed to specify an entire UK address, so it is perfectly acceptable to put just those details and your name. This can be useful for smaller tags where there might not be space for your full address.”
Did you already know about this? Tell us in the comments – do you think it’s fair, or just common sense?
