FAQs about the proposed Public Spaces Protection (Dog Control) Order

What is a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)? 

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) were introduced by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They allow Local Authorities to address anti-social behaviour in public places.  

A PSPO can prohibit or restrict certain activities within a specified area when those activities: 

• are persistent or ongoing 
• are unreasonable; and/or 
• have a negative effect, or are likely to have a negative effect, on the quality of life of people in the area

Why is the Council renewing and expanding the dog control PSPO? 

Most dog owners in Guildford are responsible and considerate. However, a small number of people do not always exercise proper control over their dogs. 

The Council regularly receives complaints about: 

• dog fouling 
• dogs that are not under proper control 
• behaviour that causes nuisance, alarm or distress to others

The proposed Order will help the Council deal more effectively with irresponsible dog ownership while encouraging responsible behaviour across the borough. 

The PSPO aims to: 

• keep parks, green spaces and public areas clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone 
• promote responsible dog ownership 
• protect people, wildlife and other animals 
• support proportionate enforcement where anti-social behaviour occurs

Our primary approach is education. Enforcement action will focus on those who behave irresponsibly or allow their dogs to do so. 

Who is the "Person in Charge" of a dog? 

A Person in Charge is: 

• anyone who has a dog in their possession, care or company when an offence is committed or,
• the person who normally has responsibility for the dog, unless they can show someone else was in charge at the time

Examples 

If your dog fouls in a public place or enters a prohibited area, you will normally be responsible for the offence. If you have asked someone else to walk your dog, that person becomes responsible for the dog until it is returned to you or your property. 

More about the proposed dog control restrictions 

Dog fouling 

Anyone walking a dog must immediately remove any faeces deposited by their dog on land that is open to the air and is accessible by the public within the borough of Guildford. 

This includes: 

• pavements and roads 
• parks and open spaces 
• public land 
• private land that the public can access

Carrying means to clean up after your dog 

Anyone walking a dog must carry suitable means to collect dog waste at all times. 

Examples include: 

• dog waste bags (including biodegradable bags) 
• dog waste scoopers

Waste must be disposed of appropriately. 

How should dog waste be disposed of? 

Dog waste should be bagged and placed in a: 

• public dog waste bin or 
• public litter bin

If no suitable bin is available, or the bins are full, the person in charge of the dog should: 

• carry the waste until a suitable bin is available or 
• take the waste home for disposal in their household waste bin or a dog waste digester / composter

Dog Exclusion Areas 

Dogs must not enter the following areas: 

• enclosed children's play areas 
• bowling greens 
• cricket squares 
• enclosed sports facilities, including:  
• skate parks 
• Multi-use Games Areas (MUGAs) 
• football, rugby and lacrosse pitches whilst organised play, training, or matches are taking place 
• Dog Exclusion area in Burpham Water Meadows

These restrictions apply to areas that are fully or substantially enclosed and designated for these uses. 

Dogs on Leads 

Dogs must be kept on a lead in: 

• roads 
• pavements 
• car parks 
• cemeteries 
• Guildford Castle Grounds
• Stoke Park Gardens
• all unenclosed children's play areas 
• all outdoor gyms

Dogs on leads by direction 

An authorised officer may require a dog to be placed on a lead if the dog is: 

• not under proper control 
• causing damage 
• causing alarm or distress to people 
• causing alarm or distress to other animals

Failure to comply with a lawful direction is an offence under the Order. 

Maximum number of dogs 

One person may walk a maximum of four dogs at one time. This reflects the Council's view of the number of dogs that an average adult can reasonably be expected to control safely. 

Licensed dog businesses 

Individuals operating under a licence issued under the Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018 may walk up to six dogs at one time. 

This includes licensed: 

• dog walkers 
• dog day care providers 
• kennels 
• home boarders 

Can I exercise my dog off lead? 

Yes. Dogs may be exercised off lead in parks and open spaces provided they: 

• remain under effective control 
• do not cause alarm or distress to people 
• do not cause alarm or distress to other animals 
• do not enter areas where dogs are excluded