Share you views on plans to change the rules on walking dogs in public

North Devon Council (NDC) is inviting residents to share their valuable insights in a public consultation as the Dogs Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) comes up for renewal.

Introduced in 2021, this order aims to address issues related to anti-social behaviour associated with dog waste and uncontrolled dogs while ensuring that open spaces remain accessible for responsible dog owners.

The six-week consultation period officially opened on, Monday, September 18, 2023.

Currently, the PSPO includes measures that make it an offence not to clean up after your dog, to fail to leash your dog when directed by Neighbourhood Officers, and excludes dogs from specific areas.

To further enhance these controls and ensure the well-being of the community, NDC is considering additional measures:

• Extending the requirement for dogs to be on a lead in all NDC car parks, as well as cemeteries.
• Expanding the number of authorised NDC officers who can direct individuals to leash their dogs.
• Implementing a maximum limit of six dogs that a single person can walk at any one time.
• Evaluating the number of dogs that people can have off the lead or on an extendable lead at any given time.

The council welcomes all opinions and encourages active engagement from the community about these proposed changes to the PSPO.

Leader of North Devon Council, councillor Ian Roome, has expressed the importance of community involvement, he said: "We believe that public input is vital in striking the right balance between fostering responsible dog ownership and maintaining harmonious public spaces. This consultation allows residents to have their say and contribute to the decisions that affect our community."

To participate in the consultation, residents can visit the council's website or to view a physical copy, residents are encouraged to visit Lynton House in Barnstaple, The Amory Centre in South Molton or The Ilfracombe Centre. Opening hours are available online.

The consultation period will close on October 30.