PSPO Responsible Dog Ownership

The Council asked whether residents agreed with their proposal to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to prevent dog fouling and promote responsible dog ownership.

These proposals included: strengthening the existing provisions to prevent dog fouling by increasing the fine from £50 to £100; excluding dogs from enclosed children’s play areas and other enclosed sports areas; requiring dogs to be kept on leads in cemeteries; no more than four dogs to be under the control of one person in parks and other public open areas; requiring people to have dog bags or the means to pick up after their dog when they are walking their dog and require people to put dogs on a lead when requested by an authorised officer.

802 people responded to this survey. 

Overall there was 88.8% agreement that dog fouling is a problem in Stockport. When asked about increasing fines, 89.1% agreed with this.

On the subject of dogs being excluded from children’s play areas, there was overall agreement of 86.6%. 

When asked about excluding dogs from other recreational areas such as bowling greens and tennis courts, there was overall agreement of 83.3% whilst 11.2% disagreed.

There was 90% overall agreement that dogs should be kept on a lead in cemeteries.

The subject of walking a maximum of four dogs had 79.7% overall agreement. 71% of dog owners agreed with this and 20% disagreed. Those who are not dog owners had 92% agreement with this statement. Agreement was lowest from those with dog walking companies at 56%.

98% of overall respondents agreed that dogs must be put on a lead if they are causing a nuisance. 

Following the public consultation, the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to promote responsible dog ownership was approved by Cabinet on 14^th August 2018.

You can view the full PSPO here:

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council Public Space Protection Order to Promote Responsible Dog Ownership