Stockport Council is consulting on plans to renew the existing Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which promotes responsible dog ownership throughout the borough.
Introduced in 2018, the PSPO was designed to reduce the number of complaints being made about dog control, from dogs fouling in public, being out of control and being off their leads.
The proposal for the renewed PSPO is as follows:
- Maintaining the current fine for fouling on public land of £100
- Excluding dogs from enclosed children’s play areas and other enclosed sports areas
- Requiring dogs to be kept on leads in cemeteries.
- No more than four dogs to be under the control of one person in parks and other public open areas.
- Requiring people to have dog bags or the means to pick up after their dog when they are walking their dog.
- Require people to put dogs on a lead when requested by an authorised officer.
Stockport Council's consultation can be found here.
Councillor Linda Holt is encouraging all residents who are interested in dog ownership, or affected by these sorts of issues, to make their views known to the council via the consultation. It was only a few weeks ago that a 14-year old dog owner had to watch in horror as her beloved pet was mauled to death by another dog. It is important for residents to be heard on issues that are important to them.