A dog related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) across the Dorset Council area comes into force on 1 January.
For the first few weeks the council will focus on advice and guidance to dog-owners explaining the new rules.
The order replaces a number of existing dog related PSPOs across the Dorset Council area. The intention is that the new Order will provide clarity and consistency across the area for dog owners and non-owners alike about dog controls on public open spaces such as beaches, sports fields and other public areas.
Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Customer and Community Services said:
“The order has been made to protect the health of Dorset residents and visitors and is particularly aimed at areas that children and families use.
“It focuses on times and places that attract families, but leaves a variety of open spaces, countryside and beaches where there aren’t any restrictions.
“It is a compromise, and as such, won’t be everyone’s ideal situation but it provides a balance for dog owners and non-owners.”
The order follows a 15-week consultation that received 8,602 responses. 83% of responses were from local residents, with 15% from visitors and 2% other organisations. 64% of responses came from dog owners and 36% from non-dog owners. 6.6% of the respondents considered they had a disability. The recommendations from the consultation were considered and approved by the Place and Resources Overview Committee in September and Dorset Council Cabinet in October.
Final report from the consultation can be found here
The report that was approved by Dorset Council Cabinet is available here
