Order banning dogs from sports pitches renewed for further three years

Council rules banning dogs from marked sports pitches and other measures have been renewed for a further three years.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has approved a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) outlining six offences.

These are:

Excluding dogs from all enclosed children’s play and multi-use games area.
Requiring dogs to be kept on leads in enclosed memorial gardens.
Requiring dog owners to remove dog faeces in public places.
Requiring dog owners to carry an appropriate receptacle for dealing with the waste that their dogs produce (that is to always have the means to pick their dog faeces).
Requiring dog owners to put their dogs on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer on any public land where the dog is considered to be out of control or causing harm or distress to prevent a nuisance.
Excluding dogs from marked playing pitches/areas.

What is a Public Spaces Protection Order?

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) were introduced as part of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

PSPOs specify an area where activities are taking place that are or may likely to be detrimental to the local community’s quality of life. PSPOs impose conditions or restrictions on people using that area.

Penalty on breach of PSPO

Any persons found guilty of breaching the order are liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1,000.

Breaches of a PSPO will result in a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 to be paid within 14 days of being issued. This is discounted to £75 if paid within seven days. Failure to pay the FPN will result in prosecution.

PSPOs may be enforced by police officers, police community safety officers and any officers designated by the council.
_{Source: Caerphilly County Borough Council Council}

Cllr Phillipa Leonard, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, said: “The renewed public spaces protection order allows the public and especially children access to dog-free areas intended for recreational purposes. The council intends to reduce and tackle issues relating to dogs to make the borough a safe and enjoyable place to live”.

The original PSPO was introduced in March 2022 and has been renewed until 2028.

Dogs and their owners given red card from sports pitches over fouling fears

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Penalty on breach of PSPO

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