Sussex council consults on park dog controls

Crawley Borough Council has launched a consultation regarding the renewal for a further three years of the dog control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for Tilgate Park, West Sussex.

The current requirement is for all dogs to be kept on a lead (maximum 2m) around Tilgate lake, main lawn, Peace Garden and the golf course – excluding the perimeter path – at all times. In addition, no dogs are permitted in the children’s playground. However, dogs can remain off the lead throughout the rest of the park.

The order makes it an offence for anyone to engage in any activity prohibited by the PSPO when asked to stop. Council officers have powers to enforce the order and issue fixed penalty notices with the option to prosecute in court if tickets are not paid.

Councillor Yasmin Khan, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “Since its introduction in 2022, the PSPO has regularly been enforced. There was an immediate reduction in dog-on-dog attacks in the park and there have been no reported incidents of wildlife deaths, including cygnets, swans or deer.

“We are seeking to renew the order before it expires later in the year. I would encourage residents and visitors to fill out the consultation and let us know what they think.”

The consultation, which closes on 19 June, can be seen here.