Fenland District Council consults on new dog controls

Fenland District Council (FDC) has launched a public consultation on new rules for those in charge of dogs.

The consultation, which will run throughout June, asks residents for their views on whether failing to pick up after pets or keeping them under control should be considered a punishable offence.

The penalty for failing to pick up after your dog or put it on a lead when instructed by an authorised council officer would be in force throughout every public space in Fenland which is open air on at least one side.

Penalties for failing to keep dogs on leads at all times or walking them in a place from which they’re excluded would only apply in specific areas covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which gives the council extra enforcement powers.

FDC has had a dog-related PSPO since 2017 and it is next up for renewal in October 2023.

The council wants to keep the PSPO in place, but is also keen to hear from residents, businesses, local community groups and visitors about their views.

Under the current order, dogs must be on leads of 5m or less in several named churchyards and cemeteries in Fenland and a handful of other spots. These include Huntingdon Road and Larham Way in Chatteris; North Green and South Green in Coates; Alberts Drive, Nightall Drive, Robingoodfellows Lane and The Avenue in March, Tower Close in Whittlesey and Burcroft Road, Heron Road and Jasmine Close in Wisbech.

Dogs are also excluded from some cemeteries, roads and parks, including Benwick High Street, Wenny Road in Chatteris, West End Park in March, Snowley Park in Whittlesey and Wisbech Park.

Maps of all the places the PSPO is in force, as well as lists of all the spots dogs must either be on leads or are excluded, can also be found on the council’s website.