Hounslow Council to Consider New Rules for Dog Owners

Borough-wide Public Space Protection Order could be introduced

New measures proposed after rising complaints of dog nuisance. Picture: HF Council

July 4, 2025

Hounslow Council’s cabinet is to consider a report recommending the introduction of a new borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). The stated aim of the measure would be to tackle irresponsible dog ownership

The meeting on Tuesday 8 July, will be told that this PSPO would replace the previous one, which expired in 2020. It is intended to address a range of ongoing dog-related issues such as fouling, aggressive or uncontrolled dogs, and excessive dog walking (more than four dogs at once). The proposed PSPO is scheduled to take effect from 30 September 2025 and would remain in force for three years.

Dogs would be excluded from all fenced children's play areas, all fenced sporting areas and the Turnham Green Remembrance Garden.

There would also be a limited of 4 dogs per commercial dog walkers who would also be barred from Stamford Brook Common recreation grounds and Brent Lea.

The PSPO includes a requirement that anyone walking a dog in any public area must be able to show an authorised officer a poop scoop or disposable bag on request or be liable to a £100 fine and, if they don’t pay within 14 days, they may face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000. Police Officers, Police Community Support Officers, the council’s contracted Enforcement Officers and other authorised personnel would be able to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to anyone they deem to be in breach of the PSPO. It is understood that enforcement of the PSPO would be primarily done by APCOA civil enforcement officers who already monitor and issue fines relating to littering.

The rationale behind this proposal stems from public concern about anti-social dog behaviours, which have been frequently reported across various council departments. There has been a significant increase in reports concerning dogs with 779 made between August 2023 and September, more than were made from April 2020 to June 2023. Most of these complaints related to dog fouling and dog barking.

The legal authority for introducing the PSPO comes from the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Under this legislation, local authorities can impose conditions to limit behaviour that negatively affects the quality of life in a given area. The report argues that dog-related issues meet this threshold and justifies restrictions such as designated “dog exclusion” areas (e.g., children’s playgrounds), a requirement to leash dogs or leash them on request, and limits on the number of dogs one person may walk at a time.

Two rounds of public consultation were held between August and November 2023, and again in January to February 2025. In total, 998 responses were received. The majority—69%—supported the PSPO, with dog fouling, off-leash dogs, and the safety of children and vulnerable people cited as key concerns. Some respondents expressed opposition, citing fears of overregulation or arguing that current laws were sufficient, but every individual prohibition within the order received more than 50% support.

The proposed PSPO includes six specific prohibitions, such as banning dog fouling, limiting the number of dogs walked at once, requiring poop-scoop bags, and mandating leads in certain spaces. The council has also allocated £100,000 from its parks capital budget to fund new signage but it is anticipated that fine revenue will cover these costs.

The report recommends proceeding with the order subject to minor drafting adjustments, and anticipates positive impacts on public safety, environmental quality, and community well-being.