s sought on extending borough wide dog fouling order

People are being asked to give their views on proposals to continue to take a tougher stance on dog owners who don't clear up after their pets.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is considering whether to renew a borough-wide public spaces protection order that means that people can be given heavier fines for dog fouling. The proposal is to extend the current order for another three years, until 2029.

The current order expires in November this year after being introduced in December 2020 and renewed in 2023. It was put in place after evidence showed dog fouling was a persistent issue in public spaces across the borough.

Under the order, it is an offence for a dog owner to fail to clear up after their dog in a public place or not to carry suitable means of picking up dog waste, such as poo bags. Anyone who breaches the order could receive a £100 fixed penalty notice or face prosecution through the magistrates' court.

The council's preferred approach is to raise awareness and encourage responsible pet ownership. However, where necessary, authorised officers can take enforcement action, including issuing fixed penalty notices.

Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: "We know that most dog owners are responsible and make sure they clean up after their pets. Unfortunately, there remains a small minority that continue to leave mess, which is not acceptable.

"The public spaces protection order has been in place for the last six years and has been an important tool in helping us take a tougher stance on dog fouling across the borough, giving our officers the powers they need to take enforcement action when necessary.

"Raising awareness and providing information to dog owners on clearing up after their pets is always our preference but there are occasions when enforcement is needed to tackle irresponsible behaviour. We want our parks, play areas and public spaces to be clean, safe and welcoming for everyone, and renewing this order will help us continue to do that."

People can have their say until Sunday 23 August 2026 at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/pspo-dog-fouling-proposed-renewal or by calling the council on 01256 844844.