Consultation on Isle of Wight dog controls set to close

Time is running out for dog professionals on the Isle of Wight to voice their opinions on the council’s plans to renew its dog control measures.

The Isle of Wight Council is consulting on whether to reintroduce the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), which aim to maintain the island’s beaches and public spaces.

The current consultation seeks to gauge support for the existing rules, with the council not proposing any changes to the previous orders.

These PSPOs are designed to encourage responsible dog ownership and include measures such as:

• Requiring those in control of a dog to pick up after the pet in public areas, such as parks and open spaces.
• Excluding dogs from selected beaches between 1 May and 30 September.
• Requiring dogs to be on a lead in cemeteries.
• Restricting dogs from fenced children’s play areas.

The council will review the feedback before making any decisions, with the final order, including any potential changes, set to be agreed upon by the council in November.

Councillor Lora Peacey-Wilcox, cabinet member for parks and open spaces, said: “Your views are really important, and we will consider all the feedback received to help inform a decision on the proposals.”

The consulation, which can be accessed on the council’s website, closes on Sunday 27 October.