Latest: Note that these new rules have been challenged by professional dog walkers, causing WNC to suspend the enforcement shlist discussions take place. You can read more by clicking the link below.
Council to hold talks with representatives for professional dogs walkers over new rules
New rules which encourage responsible dog ownership and ban smoking in
specific public open spaces, which come into force on November 1st 2022, have
been approved by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).
A new Public Spaces Protection Order means dog owners could be fined £100 if
they fail to:
• pick up their dog’s mess and dispose of it properly
• carry the means to pick up after their dog
• prevent their dog from entering public places from which dogs are
excluded, including children’s play areas, schools, skateparks, tennis
courts, multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and bowling greens
• keep their dog on a lead when in cemeteries, burial sites, graveyards,
memorial gardens, allotments, car parks, sports grounds, fields and pitches
– when in use for authorised sporting activity
• put their dog on a lead when asked to do so by an authorised officer
The order also restricts a person from walking more than four dogs at any
one time and prohibits smoking in: children’s play areas, schools,
skateparks, tennis courts, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), and bowling
greens.
In East Farndon, this specifically means that dogs must be kept on a lead in
the Churchyard & Burial Ground, and, more generally, dog owners must pick up
their dog’s mess; dispose of it properly; and carry the means to pick up
after their dog – plus no-one should walk more than four dogs at one time.
To find out more about the public space protection order, visit: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/community-safety-and-emergencies/public-spaces-protection-orders-pspos
