Epping Forest District Council to limit dog walkers

Epping Forest District Council is consulting on a proposed new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) that will limit the number of dogs an individual may walk on publicly accessible land to four. 

The PSPO will also crack down on fouling and dog walkers failing to place animals on a lead in specified areas. 

The implementation of a PSPO across the Epping Forest district will allow the council to deal with incidents by issuing fixed penalty notice fines. If a PSPO is found to be breached, the responsible individual will receive an automatic fine of £100 or prosecution within the magistrate’s court. 

The council said it would work to install clear signage and to provide authorised enforcement officers with “tools and powers to educate and enforce where necessary”.  

The consultation is open until 20 November 2023.

If approved, the PSPO would be introduced on 8 January.