Responsible Dog Ownership Public Space Protection Order

Consultation on responsible dog ownership in our parks

We want our parks and open spaces to be safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone. To help achieve this, we are consulting on whether to renew the responsible dog ownership public space protection order (PSPO).

PSPOs are designed to prevent anti-social behaviour and protect public spaces. Most dog owners act responsibly and keep their dogs under control. However, the PSPO gives authorised officers the powers they need to deal with a small minority whose behaviour impacts others. The responsible dog ownership PSPO was first introduced in May 2023.

Your feedback will help us decide whether the PSPO should be renewed and whether any changes should be made to the current rules. The consultation will open 8 May 2026 and will close 8 June 2026.

You can view the full draft proposed order here (PDF)

Please find below a summary of the proposed PSPO renewal and what this order entails for you and your dog. You can also find the consultation here at Have your say.

Dogs in our parks

We recognise the importance of allowing well behaved dogs to exercise freely. Most parks and open spaces include areas where dogs can be off lead, particularly in larger parks. This supports healthy exercise for dogs while balancing the needs of all park users.

The PSPO also helps keep parks cleaner and safer by addressing issues such as dog fouling and dogs being out of control.

What the PSPO covers

The council is proposing to renew the current dog control PSPO, which includes:

• Dog exclusion areas:
  Dogs may be excluded from specific locations such as children’s playgrounds, sports courts, multi-use games areas, marked pitches while games are in play, and designated dog free areas within parks.
• Dogs on leads in specific areas
  Dogs must be kept on a lead in certain places, including wildlife conservation areas and cemeteries.
• Dogs on leads by direction
  Authorised officers may require a dog to be put on a lead if it is out of control, causing damage, or behaving aggressively.
• Maximum number of dogs
  A limit of four dogs per person at any one time.
• Dog fouling
  Dog owners must clean up after their dogs.
• Poop scoop or bag requirement
  Dog walkers may be asked to show a poop scoop or clean-up bag on request.

Exemptions

Exemptions apply to:

• Blind people
• Physically or mentally Disabled people who rely on an assistance dog trained by a member of Assistance Dogs UK or another UK registered charity whose activities include the training of dogs

Where the rules apply

Full details of where these restrictions apply can be found on the interactive map on our website. Responsible dog ownership protection order

Maps showing proposed changes

Where changes to existing park restrictions are being proposed, separate maps have been produced for your consideration as part of this consultation.

• Bayonne Road PSPO map (PDF)
• Brook Green PSPO map (PDF)
• Cathnor Park PSPO map (PDF)
• Hammersmith Park PSPO map (PDF)
• Loris Gardens PSPO map (PDF)
• Wendell Park PSPO map (PDF)
• Wormwood Scrubs PSPO map (PDF)

How the PSPO is enforced

If a person fails to comply with the PSPO after a warning from an authorised council officer or police officer, they may be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice. Failure to pay the fine may result in court action.

A person will not be liable if they:

• Have a reasonable excuse, or
• Fall within one of the exemptions set out in the order

How long would the PSPO last

PSPOs can last for a maximum of three years. We are proposing that the renewed PSPO would continue for a further three years, subject to consultation feedback.

Have your say

We want to ensure that the PSPO is proportionate and effective. Your views will help us decide whether the current restrictions should continue and whether any changes are needed.

To have your say, please complete the consultation form before 8 June 2026.We also will have an easy read version of the consultation ready.

If you have any queries or need any help to have your say, please contact us at csu@lbhf.gov.uk.