Agenda item

This report covers the outcomes of the public consultations carried out seeking views on the introduction of a Medway wide Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). The Council is recommended to approve the introduction of a Medway wide Public Spaces Protection Order to control the behaviour of dogs.

Background:

This report covered the outcomes of the public consultations carried out seeking views on the introduction of a Medway wide Dog Control Public Space Protection Order. The Council was requested to agree the introduction of a PSPO.

The report explained that the introduction of the PSPOs should help to control several issues that arose as a result of people failing to exercise proper control of dogs in public places. 

The PSPO included controls on dog fouling, defining areas where dogs were not permitted – such as playgrounds; and requiring dogs to be on leads in some public spaces across Medway and over the long-term improve the quality of life for residents, visitors, and local businesses.

This report had previously been considered by the Regeneration, Culture and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 10 October 2024 and by the Cabinet on 29 October 2024. the relevant minutes and decisions of which were set out at sections 6 and 7 of the report below.

The Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Highways and Enforcement, Councillor Paterson, supported by Councillor Browne, proposed the recommendations set out in the report.

Decisions:

a)       The Council noted the comments of the Regeneration, Culture and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee, as set out in section 6 of the report and the decisions of the Cabinet, as set out at section 7 of the report.

b)       The Council approved the introduction of a Medway wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to control the behaviour of dogs.

c)       The Council approved Option 3, hybrid enforcement, as the mechanism of enforcing this PSPO. This activity would be delivered within the existing service resources and would be performed as an adjunct to the existing duties and statutory responsibilities.