Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control)

We are looking to extend the Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the borough of Dacorum for another three years.

We are inviting residents to have their say on the proposed extension, which give us the power to tackle problem behaviour associated with dogs in public areas across the borough.

This is your opportunity to have your say in support of or against the extension proposals.

Why are we doing this?

Dacorum Borough Council currently operates a Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO). The purpose of this PSPO is to control a number of issues which arise as a result of a small number of people failing to exercise proper control of dogs in public places. The current PSPO is due to expire on the 28 July 2025, and the Council is now considering whether to renew the PSPO, for a further three years. The current PSPO can be viewed here in the documents section.

Why is a Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) required? PSPOs are aimed at ensuring public spaces can be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour. They are not about stopping the responsible use of public spaces - but they do provide councils with a tool to tackle persistent issues that are damaging their communities.

The vast majority of dog owners act responsibly, keeping their dogs under control and clearing up their dog’s waste. However, the council continues to receive complaints about dog-related negative behaviour and irresponsible dog owners. In response to this, the Council is launching a consultation to ask residents their opinions about a variety of dog control related issues. The feedback from the consultation will help to shape and inform the dog control public spaces protection order (PSPO).

The existing prohibitions have been designed to be as simple as possible, giving clarity and outlining expectations. Well behaved dogs can be walked or exercised in all large parks. This promotes healthy exercise for dogs and takes into consideration the needs of the borough’s dog owners and the welfare of dogs.

What is proposed:

It is proposed to consult on whether this Order is extended.

List of proposed changes: Summary

All existing provisions to remain in place, the only proposed change is that all of the National Trust Land within the borough should be included in the Dog Fouling section

How you can find out more and give your comments

Visit Public spaces protection orders (External link) or contact ecp@dacorum.gov.uk (External Link) if you have any questions.

What happens next?

Once the consultation ends on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.at 11.59pm, we will consider all the responses received and prepare a report.

The consultation will help us reach a decision about whether or not to extend this order for a further three years.

The report be published on our website.