Waverley Borough Council extends consultation on new dog orders

Waverley Borough Council has decided to update and extend its consultation on two proposed new orders that aim to deal with dog fouling and dog control issues in the borough.
People now have until Friday 14 September to give their views on the two draft Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs), which have been developed to ensure dogs are responsibly managed by their owners at all times in public spaces.

If adopted, the first order will result in a ban on dog fouling across the entire borough, meaning dog owners and dog walkers will need to clean up and dispose of dog mess properly. The second order will target issues of dog control, including: requiring owners to keep dogs on leads in certain areas and during specified dates, excluding dogs from designated spaces – such as children’s play areas – and a condition to only allow dog walkers to walk up to four dogs at once.
If people are found to breach either of the orders they risk receiving a fixed penalty notice of £100 and if this isn’t paid, could face prosecution and be fined up to £1,000.
Councillor Kevin Deanus, Portfolio Holder for Community Services, said: “Thank you to everyone who has already responded and given their views. We really value your opinions and they will help us to decide how to take the two PSPOs forward.
“During the consultation process, Witley Parish Council requested that some of its open spaces be covered by the dog control PSPO, so we think it’s only fair to update and extend the consultation so people have the opportunity to comment. What’s more, it will also provide a bit more time for those who haven’t already commented, or looked through the revised orders, to do so.
“If you have already submitted a response, reviewed the orders and have nothing further to add, we will take your existing comments into account as part of the consultation. We would recommend reviewing the updated orders and if anyone has any new comments we’d welcome these. We really are keen to hear as many views as possible.
“These orders will not affect responsible dog owners in Waverley. These orders are only designed to combat problem dog owners and deter them from being anti-social and inconsiderate of other users of the borough’s public spaces.”
In line with the consultation, the council is also exploring the option of bringing in licences for professional dog walkers to be able to walk more than four dogs at a time in designated areas.

More information, including the updated draft orders, maps of affected areas and a link to a survey to give your views, can be found on: www.waverley.gov.uk/dogpspo.

You can also submit responses by writing to: Environmental Services (PSPO Consultation), Waverley Borough Council, The Burys, Godalming, GU7 1HR or emailing dogpspo@waverley.gov.uk.

PSPOs are powers that come under the Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and can be used to deal with a range of issues that can cause nuisances or problems in particular areas that impact on the community.
The orders can be enforced by authorised council officers, council-appointed contractors such as East Hants litter enforcement officers, police officers and police community support officers (PCSOs).
About the orders:
Order 1: Dog fouling
This order will require dog owners and those walking the dog to remove dog faeces (to ‘pick or clear up’ after their dogs) and to dispose of it properly – either in a public bin or by taking it home to their own bin. It also requires the person walking the dog to have means to ‘pick up’ with them, such as dog bags. The order will apply to any public land across Waverley.
Order 2: Dog Control
This order includes four parts:
Dogs on leads
This element of the order requires dogs to be kept on leads:
• on roads, pavements, and grass verges alongside roads
• specified cemeteries and churchyards
• specific small parks and open spaces.
Dogs on leads by direction
This part of the order requires dog owners to put their dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer in specified parks, recreation grounds and open spaces.
Unless told to do so by an officer, dog owners can have their dogs off the lead in these areas at all other times if they wish.
This power would only be used when a dog is considered to be out of control or causing alarm and distress on public land.
Dogs on leads (seasonal)
This element will require dog owners to put their dog on a lead during seasonal periods at specific countryside, parks and formal garden sites.
Dog exclusion
This condition will lead to the exclusion of dogs from:
• children’s play areas
• specific skate parks and ball courts
• specific sporting or recreational facilities.
Specified maximum number of dogs
This condition specifies that the maximum number of dogs that can be taken onto land by one person is four. This applies to any land across Waverley which is out in the open and to which the public have access.

For further information contact:
Tel: 01483 523296
Web : www.waverley.gov.uk
Email: communications@waverley.gov.uk

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

4 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Will
Will
5 years ago

Regardless on what is agreed can they guarantee this will be enforced to all and with exactly the same process and follow up?

I am sadly assuming there will be some political correct exemption for Travellers dogs on the commons!

Kevin R5
Kevin R5
5 years ago

As a dog owners I fully agree with the dog dirt clean up,but the council should take a leaf out of Farnham Park where Poo bags and bins are plentiful Dog control on roads and in certain areas I find no fault in but I do object to the blanket edit for dogs on leads at certain times of the year,especially in areas where cattle are introduced which to me seems be the same problem I do understand it is difficult to put a lead on a cow!!!!! May be I am a bit cynical but some of these fines… Read more »

Philip Underwood
Philip Underwood
5 years ago

In Hambledon,where many dog’s are walked there is not one poo bin.They should at least be provided near the car parking areas,or does the land in Hambledon not count,as it is owned by the Lord of the Manor.

Christine Cater
Christine Cater
5 years ago

I agree with what Waverley are enforcing but I do think it works both ways.
Since pay meters for car parking in rural areas COMMON LANDS have popped up all over with unacceptable cost then let’s see a little bit of service for the money. Pot holes on the track leading to Rodborough common and more bins with poo bags could be offered as do other councils. All I’ve seen so far is a disgruntled worker picking up litter.