Fenland District Council seeks views on new dog control order

Fenland residents are being asked for their views on the introduction of a new public spaces protection order to deal with dog fouling and dog control issues across the district.

In April, Fenland District Council invited people to have their say on proposals to extend an existing dog control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) by a further three years.

But feedback from residents suggested adding Friday Bridge churchyard to the areas from which dogs should be excluded.

Now the Council is proposing to apply for a new PSPO with the area included, rather than extending the old one – and would like the public’s views.

An online survey has now been launched for people to have their say – visit: www.fenland.gov.uk/dogs2020. The survey runs from Friday, July 10, to Friday, August 7.

The PSPO outlines how the Council will enforce dog control issues and encourages owners to clean up after their dogs, keep them under control and adhere to dog exclusion zones. Specifically, it imposes the following rules:

· Dog fouling to be removed from any land to which the public have access

· Dogs to be put on a lead when requested by an authorised officer

· Dogs to be on a lead in some open play areas, public facilities, closed cemeteries, and churchyards

· Dogs to be excluded from fenced/gated play areas and open cemeteries

Councillor Peter Murphy, the council’s portfolio holder for the environment, said: “While dogs are a great source of enjoyment and companionship for many, it is vital that powers are in place to ensure people are protected from dog fouling and dogs that are not on leads in some public spaces. Without a PSPO in place we would not be able to enforce any dog control restrictions.

“I’d like to thank everyone who took part in our last consultation, and hope that they share their views with us once again as we look to apply for a new order.”