An order to encourage responsible dog ownership at one of Swindon’s most popular country parks has been renewed following a public consultation.
Swindon Borough Council introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) at Lydiard Park in 2016 following multiple complaints of out of control or nuisance dogs.
Since the order was introduced complaints of nuisance dogs at Lydiard have reduced significantly, while complaints about dog fouling at the council-owned country park have also fallen.
The success of the Lydiard Park PSPO has been identified as an example of good practice by the Kennel Club and is used by the charity as an example of good practice when providing advice and training to other councils.
A total of 322 people took part in an eight-week consultation during July and August, which asked respondents whether they would like the PSPO to be extended for a further three years,
Of those who responded, 64 per cent said the PSPO should be extended in its current format, 24 per cent said they would like it renewed but with some changes, while 14 per cent said they did not believe there should be dog control restrictions at Lydiard.
Under the order, pet owners are required to have their dogs on a lead in the more popular areas of the park between April and September from 10am to 6pm. The second part of the order excludes dogs from the Walled Garden and Rick Yard area. There are exemptions under the order for assistance dogs.
A second PSPO has also been re-introduced to prohibit dog fouling across the Borough and to ban dogs (apart from assistance dogs) from enclosed children’s play areas.
Although the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, a minority still fail to pick up their pet’s faeces.
A total of 356 people took part in a six-week consultation which asked members of the public if they supported both the ban on dog fouling and the exclusion of dogs from enclosed children’s play areas.
Ninety-six per cent of those who took part in the consultation supported the dog fouling element of the PSPO, while 95 per cent were in favour of prohibiting dogs from enclosed play areas.
Under the PSPO legislation, dog owners who are seen to allow their dog to foul will be given a chance to pick up after their pet before a fine is ordered. People who refuse to pick up after their dog will be served a Fixed Penalty Notice and their details noted. Repeat offenders could face prosecution.
Public Space Protection Orders were introduced as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. If a PSPO is breached the perpetrator may receive a £100 on-the-spot fine, or may face a fine of up to £1,000 in the magistrates’ court. The aim of the legislation, however, is to change behaviour, rather than hand out fines.
Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health Inequalities and Housing, said: “I’d like to thank the hundreds of people who gave up their time to share their views on the two PSPOs.
“It was clear from the responses we received that a significant majority of those people are supportive of the two orders and we hope they will continue to be effective in encouraging people to do the right thing when they are out with their pets. We want people to pick up after their dogs so our pavements and our public open spaces stay clean and safe.
“We know most dog owners are incredibly responsible and we really appreciate their considerate behaviour. We want to ensure that the actions of a minority don’t spoil it for everyone else.
“Both PSPOs are in place to act as a deterrent to those who flout the rules and we sincerely hope they continue to act as a preventative tool over the next three years.”
Councillor Matty Courtliff, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for Lydiard Park, said: “The order at Lydiard has been a great success over the last few years and the vast majority of dog owners have kept their pets on leads in the most popular parts of the park during the spring and summer months.
“As a dog owner myself, I love being able to take him on walks across our wonderful country parks, and I also understand the responsibility of sharing those spaces with non-dog owners.
“The PSPO has allowed people to enjoy the beautiful parkland at Lydiard without having to worry about dogs being off-lead in the designated areas of the park and I hope the extension of the order will ensure that all users of Lydiard can continue to enjoy it in the years to come.”
Further details about both PSPOs are available on the Council’s website.
