Dorset Council Dog related Public Spaces Protection Order was made on 23 October 2020. It came into effect on 1 January 2021 and will last 3 years.
View the contents of the Dog related PSPO. If you need this document in an accessible format, contact us. This supersedes all other Dog Related Orders in the Dorset Council area from the period of enforcement and any byelaw during its life.
The Order states that:
- owners are to pick up their dog's poo in all public spaces and dispose of it appropriately
- no dogs are allowed in enclosed children’s play areas or on marked sports pitches
- no dogs are allowed on certain beaches between 1 May and 30 September
- dogs are to be put on a lead when instructed to do so by an authorised officer
- dogs are to be kept on a lead in signposted and identified areas
Areas where you have to keep your dog on a lead are:
- cemeteries, churchyards or graveyards
- council owned allotments
- formal public gardens
- within 5 metres of marked sports pitches
- council owned car parks
- Rodwell Trail Weymouth
- on roads and walkways close to certain beaches
- certain beaches dependent on season
Full details are supplied in the Order along with maps to assist.
Exemptions to the Dog related PSPO
Exemptions apply which mainly relate to those with poor dexterity or disability preventing them collecting dog poo, as well as enabling those with assistance dogs to access dog excluded areas, these are described in the Order. Additionally, some landowners have exempted their land from some or all of the restrictions.
An Equality Impact Assessment was supplied for Cabinet and helped form the exemptions within the Order, to assist with enforcement and ensure signage was appropriate.
Information signs are provided in most locations to indicate where restrictions are in force.
Local land owners may choose to have their own restrictions. If you are travelling across private land please be respectful and follow any request about how you control your dog.
Fines (Fixed Penalty Notice) for not complying with the Dog related PSPO
You may be fined for not complying with the Order. If you believe that you did not offend or you meet any of the exemptions please contact us to discuss.
Authorised Officers will always be able to show you their identity badge or produce their authorisation.
The current penalty level is set in legislation as £100 to be paid within 28 days. Early payment, within 14 days, will reduce this to £75.
Consultation about the Dog related PSPO
On the 6 October 2020 Dorset Council Cabinet members agreed the content of the Dorset Council Dog related Public Spaces Protection Order 2020 following a public consultation process, view the minutes and agenda's for this meeting and previous Places and Resources Overview Committee this also includes the consultation report.
Advice from our Dog Warden
The Dog Warden is happy to speak to members of the public on all dog related issues. If you have queries please contact the Dog Warden Service in your area: