Have Your Say on Dog Control

South Tyneside residents are encouraged to have their say on proposals to renew the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) for dog control across the Borough.

A public consultation has been launched on the proposed extension of the PSPOs, which help the Council to deal with the minority of people who fail to control or clean up after their dogs. The Orders also cover other breaches of dog control rules such as dogs being in areas where restrictions are in place.

The PSPOs were introduced in October 2017, replacing previous Dog Controls Orders in South Tyneside. They are due to expire and need to be consulted on before the Council can decide whether to renew them for a further three years.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: "Our parks and open spaces are well used by residents and visitors to the Borough, which is why we are keen to gather the views of the whole community so that they remain enjoyable for everyone.

"The consultation aims to collect information on the issues that are of most concern to residents and will help to inform whether the existing orders for dog control remain fit for purpose and should be extended or whether any changes are needed.

"We want as many people as possible to tell us what they think, through the consultation process, so that we can keep South Tyneside clean, welcoming and safe for all, while also continuing to deal with the small minority of irresponsible dog owners who have no regard for the rules in place."

The existing PSPOs for dog control cover issues such as:

• Dog fouling- dog owners must remove their dog's mess immediately;
• Dogs on Lead - dog owners must keep dogs on leads no longer that 1.5m in South Marine Park and all cemeteries in the Borough at all times;
• Dogs on Lead Direction Order - dog owners must put and keep their dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer;
• Dogs Exclusion Order - dog owners must prevent their dogs from entering all enclosed children's play areas and school playing fields. In addition, Sandhaven Beach is a dog exclusion zone from 1 May to 30 September, from 8am to 6pm;
• Dogs Specified Maximum Order - dog owners must ensure that they are in control of no more than four dogs at any one time.

The PSPOs gives enforcement officers the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £100. Failure to pay may lead to prosecution and a court fine of up to £1,000.

The renewal of the orders, and feedback from the consultation, will be considered by Cabinet in due course.

For further information about the consultation visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/haveyoursay Members of the public have until Tuesday 6 October 2020 to submit their views online, or via email: environmental.healthmailbox@southtyneside.gov.uk

The public is also encouraged to report incidents of dog fouling or dog control issues to the Council's Customer Contact Centre on (0191) 427 7000. Calls will be treated in confidence. Dog fouling can also be reported online at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/dogfouling