South Hams District Council want your views in a public consultation about Public Space Protection Orders for dog control in the District.

A Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) deals with potential anti-social behaviour in an area which could have a harmful effect on the quality of life for those in the local community. It can ban certain things, or need specific things to be done, in this case the control of dogs in public areas.

The Council know that most dog owners properly control their dogs and abide by the rules.  However, they want to encourage every dog owner throughout the South Hams to be responsible and these PSPOs help with that.

PSPOs last for three years before they need to be reviewed and the current orders run out in March next year.  The District Council now need to consult on the next set for the following three year period.

The current review affects all existing PSPOs within the District, such as when it is currently necessary for owners to keep dogs on leads in certain areas. In some places dogs are excluded, for instance in children’s play areas, bowling greens or tennis courts. They may have limited access such as on beaches out of season or at certain times of the day.

The Council is also consulting on a new proposal in the following area for changes to the current order. The proposal suggests recategorising the path between Swallowfields and Vire Island in Totnes to an area where dogs must be kept on a lead and they would like your thoughts.

The consultation runs until 14 November 2023.  Officers can issue fixed penalty notices up to £100.00 for those who don’t follow the Orders.

Cllr Denise O'Callaghan, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member Housing; Environmental Health; and Licensing, said: “It’s important that as many people as possible give us their views on dog control in their area.  There are many dog owners in the District and most are very responsible when walking their dogs.

“We would like to know residents’ thoughts on what we currently do to control dogs. Do you agree or disagree with what we currently do? Are there other conditions or areas you would like to see added? If so, let us know in the survey and add any problem areas to our online map too to help us see where the issues are. That way we can direct our resources to those areas.

“There is one new proposal suggested for dogs on leads so please let us know your thoughts for that too. We all need to live together so these Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) can help us to do that in harmony with everyone whether a dog lover or not.

“Please tell us what you think before the consultation ends on Tuesday 14 November.”

If you would like to share your thoughts about the proposals, share your views on: shdc-dogcontrol.commonplace.is

Or by post to:

Environmental Protection Team

South Hams District Council

Follaton House

Plymouth Road

Devon

TQ9 5NE