The Council is seeking your views on the proposals to introduce Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) within Blaenau Gwent.
In 2014 with the introduction of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, a new system of dog control orders has been introduced known as Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO). This Act will replace the current dog control order system, and local authorities will have to replace any existing dog control orders with PSPO by 2017.
The proposed PSPO will control offences relating to:
- Dog control including dog fouling:
The order will create the offence of failing to remove dog faeces from any land within Blaenau Gwent, to which the public or any section of the public has access on payment or as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission. This is a slight change from the current dog control orders which only applies to land which is open to the air and to which the public is entitled to access. This will mean that allowing dog fouling in enclosed areas, for example the communal areas of flats, would become an offence under the proposed PSPO, unless a land owner specifically consents for the fouling to occur. - Dog exclusion:
The introduction of dog exclusion areas through the proposed PSPO is primarily aimed at reducing the level of dog fouling in sensitive areas, for example playing fields, parks or educational establishments. - Dogs on leads areas:
Under the proposed PSPO, the introduction of the dogs on leads area will allow access to dogs on leads in exclusion areas where a public right of way exists.
The new PSPO will continue the existence of dog exclusion areas at schools, playgrounds and sports pitches throughout Blaenau Gwent and dog on lead areas at specific locations, for example Bryn Bach Park and Bedwellty House. A list of the proposed areas is available by clicking on the consultation document link below. The orders will also continue to deal with dog fouling in the area by making it an offence for people to fail to remove dog faeces when there dog has fouled.