Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) Renewal Consultation 2025 - Responsible Dog Ownership

We understand that most dog owners are responsible and look after both their dogs and their local environment. However, we have previously received a great many complaints about dog control, which includes fouling, dogs off lead that are out of control, dogs inside children's play areas and dogs off leads in cemeteries. 

In response to these complaints, we introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in 2018 which helped to reduce the number of complaints received. This has acted as a deterrent and has sent the message that Stockport is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour. 

We are therefore proposing to renew the PSPO that covers the following:

• Maintaining the current fine for fouling on public land of £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. 
• Require people to put dogs on a lead when requested by an authorised officer.

One of the main objectives of the PSPO has been to raise awareness of responsible dog ownership within our communities so that it becomes self-enforcing. This has been evident in Stockport over the last 3 years as complaints about dogs in children’s play areas and reports of large numbers of dogs being walked at one time have decreased. When we have received reports, we have acted quickly to enforce the PSPO which has had the desired effect of preventing repeated issues. 

Renewing the PSPO would continue to give the council the ability to act on reported issues on the rare occasions when this is required. Renewal would also reinforce the message that the behaviours currently restricted by the PSPO are not acceptable.

We want to hear the views of the community on this important matter. The consultation will run from 13 June 2025 until 13 July 2025.  Once this consultation has taken place, we will take a decision.

We are committed to improving the environment in Stockport and are also promoting the We Love Stockport Campaign (opens in a new window).