Melton Borough Council’s initiative to extend the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) highlights the ongoing challenge of managing dog-related issues in public spaces. By introducing fines for owners who fail to clean up after their dogs, the council hopes to tackle the problem of dog fouling in key areas such as parks, streets, and playgrounds. The PSPO also empowers council wardens to enforce additional rules, such as ensuring dog owners carry appropriate waste disposal tools, and prohibits dogs from entering designated play areas.
The consultation, launched on Wednesday, is an opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on the proposal, with the council particularly interested in feedback from those who use public spaces regularly. If the extension is approved, the PSPO will remain in place until at least 2028.
Local authorities argue that the legal order is not just about imposing fines but about encouraging responsible dog ownership in the long term. The council believes that the combination of penalties and public awareness has led to cleaner, safer environments for both residents and their pets. By making dog owners more accountable, the PSPO aims to ensure that public spaces remain enjoyable for everyone, especially for families and children who use parks and play areas.
In the coming weeks, the council will review the results of the consultation and decide whether to extend the PSPO as planned. The public is encouraged to submit their views before the 23 July deadline.