New rules for dog walkers will now be enforced in Daventry district

The new Public Spaces Protection Order replaces existing dog control orders in the district and adds two new rules making it an offence for dog walkers to go out without the means for picking up after their dog, and requiring dogs be put on leads in the area around the visitor centre/café at Daventry Country Park.

The new rules came into force on Friday.

Under the PSPO, dog walkers in Daventry District risk a £100 fine and potentially prosecution if they do not:

- Pick up their dog’s poo

- Carry the means for picking up their dog’s poo while on a walk

- Stop their dog from entering a fenced-off playground

- Place their dog on a lead when directed by a Council officer

- Put their dog on a lead in the area around the visitor centre/café at Daventry Country Park.

The PSPO applies to all places open to the public – so as well as parks and pavements, it includes public footpaths even if they are on private land, such as across fields.

Cllr Mike Warren, health and housing portfolio holder on Daventry District Council, said: “News of their introduction gained extensive national and local media coverage, and signs warning people of the new rules have now been placed around the district. Our enforcement officers have also been speaking to dog walkers to remind them about the new rules and to advise to them to make sure they have extra poop bags with them at all times.

“The PSPO gives us greater powers to take effective action against those irresponsible dog owners who do not pick up after their pets and from April 1 anyone who falls foul of these rules faces a fine.

“But it’s also important to re-emphasise that the powers are not there to penalise the many responsible dog owners in our district. Officers will be taking a common-sense approach on their patrols.”

People can find out more information about the PSPO, including a list of frequently asked questions, at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/dogfouling