Consultation being held on a range of dog control measures

Public Space Protection Order would give council extra powers to fine dog owners. Picture: HF Council

Hammersmith & Fulham Council is proposing to fine dog walkers £100 if they don’t have any poo bags with them.

The council is looking into introducing Fixed Penalty Notices after “concerns from residents about the behaviour of some dogs and irresponsible dog owners”. The plans are part of a public space protection order (PSPO) that will also exclude dogs from playgrounds and sport courts. It could also introduce lead-only areas.

Dog walkers could be penalised if they are walking too many dogs at once and council officers could ask for a dog to be put on a lead when necessary. The council is running a consultation about the plans until January next year and if introduced the rules would be in place until 2026.

The PSPO would give an offender 14 days to pay the fixed penalty, which would be cut to £60 if paid within seven days. Failing this, they could face prosecution and even have to appear in court.

Assistance dogs and anyone with a disability preventing them from carrying out daily tasks would be exempt from the order.

Announcing the consultation, the council said, “To help keep our parks safe and pleasant for all we’re consulting on whether we should introduce certain rules around dogs in our parks and open spaces.

“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 and keep their dogs under control. However, the council continues to receive concerns from residents about the behaviour of some dogs 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.”

You can tell the council what you think of the new rules here. The consultation closes on Sunday 15 January 2023.

Jacob Phillips - Local Democracy Reporter

November 24, 2022