Animal Fouling

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) – Enhanced Dog Control Powers

As of 1 June 2016 a PSPO in relation to enhanced dog controls took effect across the Harborough District and replaced a number of out of date by-laws to create a more comprehensive and consistent approach when dealing with issues such as dog fouling, and other forms of irresponsible dog ownership.

In summary this order makes it an offence to :-

• Fail to pick up after your dog. This will now include all land to which the public can gain access including agricultural land.
• Failing to put a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer – this allows Council officers to direct that a dog is put on a lead when it is causing nuisance and/or danger to other persons and their dogs
• Failing to provide at the request of an authorised officer the means to pick up after a dog

Any breach of the Order could result in the issuing of a £100 fixed penalty notice or being taken to court and receiving a fine on conviction of up to £100.

Any challenge to this order must be made in the High Court by an interested person within six weeks of it being made. An interested person is someone who lives in, regularly works in, or visits the restricted area. This means that only those who are directly affected by the restrictions have the power to challenge. Interested persons can challenge the validity of this order on two grounds: that the Authority did not have power to make the order, or to include particular prohibitions or requirements; or that one of the requirements of the legislation, for instance consultation, has not been complied with.

When an application is made the High Court can decide to suspend the operation of the order pending the Court's decision, in part or in totality. The High Court has the ability to uphold the order, or quash it, or vary it.

The PSPO will be in place for a period of three years from the commencement date.

How to report dog fouling

If you witness someone allowing their dog to foul, call Harborough District Council on 01858 828282 or email PlanningEnforcement@harborough.gov.uk identifying the culprit if possible.

The Parish Council provides one dog bin which is emptied weekly by its contractor. It also provides eight litter bins which accommodate properly bagged dog waste.