Local democracy

Agenda item

DOG CONTROL PUBLIC SPACES PROTECTION ORDERS FOR THE BRADFORD DISTRICT

Previous Reference: Minute 18 (2019/20)

 

The Assistant Director Neighbourhood and Customer Services will submit a report (Document “AL”) relating to the proposed extension variation of the six existing Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Orders for the Bradford District or the making of a district wide order under the powers arising from the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the Act).

 

The report also provides a summary of the responses to the statutory consultation.

 

Recommended-

 

(1)  That the six existing PSPO (Dog Control) 2011-2013 orders be extended without variation and the Assistant Director, Neighbourhoods and Customer Services publicise the extensions in consultation with the City Solicitor.

 

(2)  That it be noted that the consultation responses amplify the need for enforcement of the existing requirements and prohibitions including the following five key areas:

·         Failure to clear up dog faeces.

·         Exclusion of dogs from certain areas – this includes equipped play areas, multiuse games areas (MACA), BMX/Skate Parks, water features and Muslim areas of cemeteries.

·         Leads by order – this covers the need for people to put and keep a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer.

·         Carrying suitable means to remove dog fouling (it is not “a reasonable excuse” to fail to remove dog faeces as set out in the existing orders).

·         The keeping of dogs on leads in the areas as specified in the existing orders.

 

(3)  That additional clear signage be erected where necessary.

 

(4)  That exemptions to the requirements and prohibitions already include where a person with a disability affecting their mobility, manual dexterity or ability to lift, carry or move everyday objects and who relies upon a dog trained by a prescribed charity for assistance.

 

(5)  That the Assistant Director, Neighbourhoods and Customer Services be authorised to discount the PSPO fixed penalty fine from £100 to £80 if payment is made within 7 days.

 

 

                                                     (Amjad Ishaq – 01274 433682)

Minutes:

Previous Reference: Minute 18 (2019/20)

 

The Assistant Director Neighbourhood and Customer Services submitted a report (Document “AL”) relating to the proposed extension variation of the six existing Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Orders for the Bradford District or, the making of a district wide order under the powers arising from the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the Act).

 

The report also provided a summary of the responses to the statutory consultation.

 

Officers presenting the report gave a detailed presentation to the Committee on the contents of the report and emphasised the valuable contribution made byall those who responded to the statutory consultation.

 

A Member emphasised the importance of all Council Wardens being made fully aware of the enforcement rules.  

 

In response to a Members question it was reported that Council Wardens did investigate when a complaint of dog fouling was received which included undertaking visits out of hours (evenings and weekends) and that new Wardens were provided with the necessary training in relation to enforcement.

 

It was reported that looking at the statistics for the past five years complaints were decreasing and in general people were complying with the order.

 

Members were informed that the success of compliance and enforcement depended on residents and visitors to Bradford being made aware of the restrictions and prohibitions and understanding what action they needed to take. Information would be added where necessary to the Council’s website – enforcement was a key element of the continuing compliance with the Dog Control PSPO’s.

 

 

It was reported that the signage across the district was easy to understand and there were sufficient signs to make it clear what restrictions and prohibitions were already in place – additional campaigns would be conducted to raise awareness and bring about behaviour change around dog control issues.

 

In response to a Members query it was reported that a licensing scheme for dog walkers was being looked at.

 

Members thanked the all those who responded to the statutory consultation for their valued contribution and thanked officers for the work they had undertaken.

                                                                       

 

 

 

Resolved-

 

(1)  That the six existing PSPO (Dog Control) 2011-2013 orders be extended until a composite district wider order is brought into effect.

 

(2)  The Assistant Director, Neighbourhoods and Customer Services publicise the extended orders in consultation with the City Solicitor.

 

(3)   A composite order to be brought into force as soon as reasonably practicable to include the existing prohibitions and requirements in the 6 orders and the following additional prohibitions and requirements as set out in 9.4 (a) (b) and (c) of the report namely:-

 

(a)  Dogs to be kept on leads around all sports grounds, fields, parks, and pitches, but

only when in use for organised authorised events;

(b)  Dogs to be kept on leads on footpaths around lakes and ponds;

(c)  Persons in charge of dogs be required to carry a receptacle to remove dog faeces;

 

(4)  The Assistant Director, Neighbourhoods and Customer Services publicise the composite order in consultation with the City Solicitor.

 

(5)  That additional clear signage be erected where necessary.

 

(6)  That exemptions to the requirements and prohibitions to include exemptions where a person with a disability affecting their mobility, manual dexterity or ability to lift, carry or move everyday objects or who relies upon a dog trained by a prescribed charity for assistance.

 

(7)  That the Assistant Director, Neighbourhoods and Customer Services be authorised to discount the PSPO fixed penalty fine from £100 to £80 if payment is made within 7 days.

 

Action:  Assistant Director Neighbourhood and Customer Services and the City Solicitor

 

                                                           

 

Supporting documents: