Dog control Public Spaces Protection Order

Closed 13 Oct 2023

Opened 6 Sep 2023

Contact

Richard Adams

01865 249811

rjadams@oxford.gov.uk

Feedback updated 21 Dec 2023

We asked

We asked for the public's views on a new Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order.  The Order would last for three years and apply to the whole of the Oxford City local authority area. 

The Order would create the following offences:

  1. A person must put their dog on a lead if required to do so by an authorised officer.
  2. A person may not be in charge of any more than four dogs in a public place.
  3. A person in charge of a dog must pick up their dog’s faeces.
  4. A person in charge of a dog must not let it enter a children’s play park.

The Order would not apply to private land and there were exemptions for assistance dogs.

You said

  • Over 150 people responded to the survey with:
    • 85% of respondents disagree with allowing dogs into children’s play parks. 
    • 92% of respondents felt that owners should pick up their dog mess anywhere in the city.
    • 69% of respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement that dog owners should not be restricted on the number of dogs under their control at any one time.
    • 85% of respondents said that owners should put their dog on a lead if asked by a Council or Police Officer.
    • 77% of respondents agreed that dogs should be kept on leads at all times in the city centre.

We did

Oxford City Council's Cabinet met on the 13th and approved the Order.  Council Officers, the police and other approved persons can enforce the Order.

Overview

Oxford City Council are consulting on whether to vary, extend or remove a Public Spaces Protection Order in the city regarding the control of dogs. No restrictions apply to assistance dogs or where a person has a reasonable excuse.  

The current Dog Control PSPO makes it an offence: 

  • for a person to allow their dog to be in a children’s play park 

  • to be in control of more than four dogs 

  • to fail to clear up their dog mess 

  • to fail to put their dog on a lead if instructed by an authorised officer 

The penalty for breaching a PSPO can be dealt with through a fixed penalty notice or prosecution in the Magistrates Court. 

More information can be found on Oxford City Council’s website here. 

Why your views matter

The Council's Cabinet will consider the findings at their meeting on the 13th December and decide whether to extend, amend or remove the Order.

Audiences

  • Councillors
  • General Public

Interests

  • Parks and Green Spaces