West Northamptonshire Council introduces rules for dog walkers

West Northamptonshire Council has introduced new rules for dog walkers. 

The Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is currently in place in Daventry and South Northants areas and will now be extended across Northampton, forming a West Northamptonshire-wide order. 

Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for community safety and engagement and regulatory services said: “By adopting PSPO measures across West Northamptonshire we can encourage responsible dog ownership and limit where people can smoke in certain open spaces such as play areas. Together, we can create a cleaner, safer and more pleasant area for everyone to enjoy.” 

The PSPO means those in control of dogs could be fined £100 if they fail to: 

• Pick up dog’s mess and dispose of it properly. 
• Carry the means to pick up after the animal. 
• Prevent dogs from entering public places from which dogs are excluded, including children’s play areas, schools, skateparks, tennis courts, multi-use games areas, and bowling greens. 
• Keep dogs on a lead when in Northampton Town Centre, Upton Country Park Phase 2, land near Daventry Country Park café, cemeteries, burial sites, graveyards, memorial gardens, allotments, car parks, sports grounds, fields and pitches – when in use for authorised sporting activity. 
• Put dogs on a lead when asked to do so by an authorised officer. 

In addition, the order also restricts a person from walking more than four dogs at any one time in a public open space – unless they are a licensed dog daycare provider, boarder or breeder, who are permitted to walk a maximum of six dogs at any one time. 

The order will remain in place for a period of two years.