Residents will be invited to share their perspectives on proposed fines of up to £1,000 for individuals allowing their dogs off leads on footpaths and in specific parks in Northamptonshire, following the approval of a consultation.
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are currently in effect in Wellingborough, Kettering, and East Northamptonshire, set to expire in November. Originally implemented by previous authorities, they were carried over to North Northamptonshire, which replaced them in 2021. The new proposal aims to establish an order covering the entire council area, including Corby.
Jason Smithers, leader of North Northamptonshire Council, emphasized that most dog owners are responsible, viewing the order as a tool to hold accountable those who are not.
The Conservative-led authority’s executive has greenlit a public consultation on a PSPO for the entirety of North Northamptonshire.
Under the proposed PSPO, it would be against the law for:
- Owners not to clean up after their dogs on public land
- Owners to allow dogs off leads in specific parks, footpaths, car parks, and cemeteries
- Owners to permit their dogs into play areas and certain parks
The council has identified 92 publicly accessible areas where the PSPO could be applied.
Owners may face £100 fixed penalty notices, with potential fines escalating to £1,000 in magistrates’ courts.
A report to North Northamptonshire Council indicated that a unified PSPO would “eliminate inconsistencies” across the region and prevent potential increases in dog fouling and control complaints.
Mr. Smithers stated that the order provides the council with options to address issues “caused by unruly dogs and their owners.”
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