CWAC Consultation on Dog Control

Dog Control – Public Spaces Protection Order consultation

13 May 2021 – 04 July 2021

Residents are being invited to have their say on Cheshire West and Chester Council's

In October 2018 the Council introduced a wide range of measures covering the control of dogs and encouraging responsible dog ownership, which are now due for review.

The measures currently in force are:

• Dogs are excluded from fully-enclosed children's play areas that contain play equipment.
• Dogs are excluded from Fully or Partially enclosed Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) and T
• Dogs must be placed on a lead at the request of an authorised officer
• Dogs must be on a lead in Council owned cemeteries and crematoria.
• Where a lead is required it must be a maximum of 2m in length (fixed or locked)
• A maximum of 6 dogs per person can be walked together.
• Dog walkers must carry sufficient means to pick up their dog foul.

In addition, a separate PSPO was introduced banning smoking from fully-enclosed children's play areas that contain play equipment – this is also being reviewed.

It is already an offence if dog walkers fail to pick up dog foul. It is proposed that this standalone offence be included in the wider PSPO on dog control.

The Council recognises that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and keep their dogs under control while they are out. For animal welfare reasons it is also beneficial for dog owners to be able to exercise their dogs off lead in open spaces.

The consultation will ask for views on the current measures in place as well as seeking views on adding additional control areas. For example, the council has received a number of enquiries regarding church cemeteries not maintained by the council. The consultation asks it the PSPO should be extended to include a requirement for dogs to be on a lead in all cemeteries, and asks if any other areas should be considered

There are a variety of ways for people to give their views:

On-line: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/DogControlOrderReview
Email: dogs@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
Telephone: 0300 123 8 123 quoting "Dog Control"

Write to: Research and Intelligence Team, Cheshire West and Chester Council,
4 Civic Way, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BE
For further information, contact: Nicki Rose
Email: dogs@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk