Have your say on current Dog Control Order

Residents are being invited to have their say on Cheshire West and Chester Council’s current dog control order that encourages responsible dog ownership and tackles irresponsible dog owners.A public consultation was launched on Thursday 16 May 2024 and will run until Sunday 14 July 2024.

The Council recognises that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and keep their dogs under control when they are out and about. And for animal welfare reasons it is beneficial for dog owners to be able to exercise their dogs off lead in open spaces.However, if they are not properly supervised and kept under control, dogs that are allowed off lead in public areas can cause nuisance or even injury to members of the public, or other animals, and may cause road traffic accidents.

In October 2018 the Council introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering a wide range of dog control measures, while also encouraging responsible dog ownership.These measures were maintained in 2021 following the statutory review.

In October 2021 the Council reviewed the range of measures covering the control of dogs and encouraging responsible dog ownership. The measures currently in force are:

• Dogs are excluded from fully enclosed children’s play areas that contain play equipment.
• Dogs are excluded from fully- or partially enclosed multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and tennis courts.
• Dogs must be placed on a lead at the request of an authorised officer.
• Dogs must be on a lead in cemeteries and council-maintained crematorium gardens.
• Where a lead is required, it must be a maximum of two metres in length (fixed or locked).
• A maximum of six dogs per person can be walked together.
• Dog walkers must pick up their dog foul.
• Dog walkers must carry sufficient means to pick up their dog foul.

In addition, a separate PSPO is in place which bans smoking in fully enclosed children’s play areas that contain play equipment.
Both PSPOs are due for review.
There are a variety of ways to give your views and the consultation will close on 14 July 2024:

Complete the SurveyHERE .

For more information on the PSPO,CLICK HERE .

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