Torridge District Council votes to extend the existing Public Spaces Protection Order in relation to control for dogs

Torridge District Council has voted to extend the existing Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in relation to control for dogs across the district for another three years.  The previous PSPO for Dog Controls was introduced in April 2022.  Since then, the Council’s Environmental Protection Team has dealt with 117 stray dog incidents, 246 reports of dog fouling, 234 barking dog complaints and 138 incidents involving dangerous dogs.

PSPOs are a legal tool that are used to stop individuals or groups committing antisocial behaviour or nuisance in a public space that is detrimental to the local community’s quality of life.  A breach of a PSPO is a criminal offence and can result in a fixed penalty notice of £100. Alternatively, a fine of up to £1000 can be imposed by the court on conviction for each breach.

In addition, the council voted that dogs should be kept on a lead all year round in Victoria Park, Bideford and Westward Ho! Park, adjacent to Park View Terrace and from 1 May to 30 September annually on Westward Ho! Promenade. It also voted that dogs should be excluded on the designated area of ‘Blue Flag’ Westward Ho! beach from 1 May to 30 September annually as well as being permanently excluded from Westward Ho! Park’s enclosed tennis and sports area.

Councillor Philip Hackett, Lead Member for Public Health & Community Safety, Torridge District Council, said:

“The extension of the PSPO offers a pragmatic, proportionate and enforceable response to Anti-Social Behaviours and nuisance issues associated with dog control in Torridge. The PSPO is a valuable tool that provides clear boundaries for dog owners, along with the deterrent of the fixed penalty or further legal action. For the majority of breaches, it also gives the Council a relatively simple way to proceed where there is sufficient evidence that an offence has been committed in the restricted area.”