West Sussex councils plan to extend dog controls

Adur and Worthing district councils are planning to extend a public space protection order (PSPO).

Further powers could exclude dogs from play areas in Lilac Way, Shoreham, and Freesia Way, Durrington, as well as Heene Cemetery in Worthing.

Other new powers under consultation include requiring dogs to be on leads on footpaths either side of the Adur Estuary, a Site of Special Scientific Interest in Shoreham.

The councils are asking for feedback on the plans which would also extend current powers for a further three years until December 2028.

Under the PSPO, council officers can issue fixed penalty notices of £100 or prosecute dog owners who fail to comply with any of the orders, which include picking up dog faeces or putting pets on leads in certain areas.

A council spokesperson said: “Without these orders, we would have limited powers to address any dog-related problems that occur.

“Although many of us love dogs, we think it’s important to have some restrictions in place and provide some dog-free areas so that everyone can enjoy our wonderful parks and coastline.”

The consultation, which can be found here, is open until 10 August.