People have been told it has replaced the Dog Control Orders – DCO for short
If you have a dog, you’ll likely know the rules of picking up after them and making sure they have a microchip with up-to-date information. But you may not know you could be hit with a hefty fine for a common mistake many make when stepping out the door.
On the official UK Government website, it warns that owners should be aware of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs). Previously called Dog Control Orders (DCOs), PSPOs cover certain dog walking areas in England and Wales.
In public areas with PSPOs, you may have to:
- keep your dog on a lead
- put your dog on a lead if told to by a police officer, police community support officer or someone from the council
- stop your dog going to certain places – like farmland or parts of a park
- limit the number of dogs you have with you (this applies to professional dog walkers too)
- clear up after your dog
- carry a poop scoop and disposable bags
If you ignore a PSPO, you can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) and fined £100 on the spot. If it goes to court, you may also be fined up to £1,000.
The UK Government noted: “Local councils must let the public know where PSPOs are in place.” For example, if dogs cannot enter a park, there must be signs alerting owners to the rule. As well as this, if the council plans to put a new PSPO in place, it must put up a notice and publish it on its website.
The notice must tell you:
- where the new PSPO will apply
- if there’s a map and where you can see it
That’s not the only thing people need to remember. As we reported earlier this month, under the Control of Dogs Order 1992, owners must also ensure their four-legged furry pal is wearing ID whenever they’re taken out in public.
Their ID must have the owner’s name and address, either inscribed directly on the collar or on an attached plate or tag. Experts from D for Dogs cautioned: “You are legally required to put your name and address on your dog’s tag.
“A house number and postcode are all that is needed to specify an entire UK address, so it is perfectly acceptable to put just those details and your name. This can be useful for smaller tags where there might not be space for your full address.”
Did you know this? Let us know in the comments if you think this is fair