Pets

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)

Local councils and police forces were given powers to introduce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to deal with anti-social behaviours in a reasonable and proportionate manner in 2014. Many of Wales’ local authorities now use PSPOs to address issues relevant to dog faeces and the presence of pooches in public spaces.

Councils across Wales have adopted a range of conditions as part of their PSPOs including:

  • Making it an offence for a person not to clean up dog faeces

  • Requiring all dog walkers to carry an appropriate receptacle for dealing with their dog's waste

  • Keeping dogs on leads in playgrounds and cemeteries owned by the council

  • Making it an offence for a person not to put a dog on a lead when instructed to do so by an authorised person

  • Excluding dogs from Children's play areas, multi-use games areas and marked sports playing pitches

  • Requiring owners to put their dog on a lead when walking on public roads and pavements

Before issuing a PSPO, the relevant council must first consult with relevant organisations such as the police, the residents who will be affected by the restrictions, the land owner/s and animal welfare experts such as ourselves. RSPCA Cymru routinely responds to PSPO consultations by councils across Wales to ensure that responsible dog owners are still able to meet the needs of their dogs under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Our concerns often relate to unavailability of adequate space for dogs to express normal behaviours - such as being able to run off lead - and the creation of friction between pet owners and non-pet owners. With many local authorities in Wales currently using PSPOs, we continue to call for all councils to adopt a balanced approach that considers the needs of companion animals and their owners, as well as the wider community.

Relevant documents