Issue - meetings

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regulatory Services to submit a report seeking approval on the making of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) relating to dogs, in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the Act).

Cabinet APPROVED the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), to come into force on 1 January 2020;

Cabinet APPROVED the £100 fee for the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for PSPO offences.

Councillor John Illingworth, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regulatory Services introduced the report, the purpose of which was to seek approval on the making of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) relating to dogs, in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the Act).

Councillor Illingworth provided a brief summary of the report, highlighting that Cabinet approval of the recommendations at paragraphs 3.1 and 3.2 of the report were sought following a lengthy process of stakeholder engagement, which included public consultation (the results of which were detailed at Appendix 2 of the report).  Following receipt of evidence, it was proposed to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering the whole Borough and requiring:

·         Dog faeces to be removed

·         Persons to produce a device or other means of removing dog faeces on demand

·         Dogs to be put and kept on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer

·         Dogs to be excluded from enclosed children’s play areas.

During discussion the following points were noted:

·         Members thanked Councillor Illingworth and officers for the work they had done on this issue, which had resulted in the recommendations before them.

·         The public consultation survey had demonstrated that dog fouling was a major concern for people in Melton and there was considerable support for the PSPO.

·         Action on dog fouling was well overdue and managed correctly, the PSPO would make a significant impact on the Borough.

·         The existing Dog Control Order would be repealed in October 2020, leaving the Council with no provision under which to enforce dog related offences.

·         Dog fouling was a Borough-wide problem.  Signage and Enforcement Officer time would be apportioned appropriately across the town and rural areas and needs discussed with Parish Councils and be intelligence led.

·         Agenda item 8 detailed proposals for a new corporate structure, which would enhance the Council’s ability to tackle this type of issue.

DECISIONS (KEY)

1)    Cabinet APPROVED the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), to come into force on 1 January 2020;

2)    Cabinet APPROVED the £100 fee for the Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for PSPO offences.