Sunderland council introduces new dog controls

Sunderland City Council’s cabinet has agreed to renew and expand powers under the city’s public spaces protection order (PSPO). 

First introduced in the city centre in 2017, and extended citywide in 2019, the PSPO gives the council enforcement powers around dog control. 

Enforcement powers and changes approved by the council’s cabinet this week include measures to: 

• Require dog walkers to reduce the length of a lead, to make sure the dog is under control and at heel when requested by an authorised officer. 
• Extend dog fouling powers to include land that is open to the air; and publicly-accessible, rather than just council land. 

It also gives the council powers to issue fixed penalty notices – such as £100 fine to anyone who doesn’t comply with the measures, which is reduced to £75 if paid within 10 days. 

Those failing to pay could also see court action resulting in a fine of up to £1,000 at the Magistrates Court. 

Councillor Claire Rowntree said the proposals will “improve our city and make it a better and safer space for everybody to be able to enjoy”. 

The new PSPO will be effective for three years.