As a responsible dog owner, you must:
- clean up immediately after your dog in all streets and open spaces
- not allow your dog to enter specified areas
- keep your dog on a lead in specified areas
- put and keep your dog on a lead when told to do so by an authorised officer
Rules for dog owners in public places
A Public Spaces Protection Order governs dog control in Bedford Borough. Failure to comply with its requirements can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and prosecution.
Some locations in Bedford Borough have been made: ‘dog exclusion areas’, ‘'dogs on leads' and 'dogs on leads by direction areas’.
With the exception of the above restrictions, you can allow your dog to roam without a lead in all open spaces in Bedford Borough. You must keep your dog under control at all times – if we believe you cannot do this, we will ask you to put it on a lead.
We might do this:
- where the public, particularly children or vulnerable adults, are at threat or feel threatened
- where you dog poses a risk to the safety of pedestrians, cyclists or motorists
- when your dog causes damage to public property, including trees and plants
- where wildlife is, or could be, threatened
- during emergency situations
Exemptions to the order exist for working assistance dogs.
Report irresponsible dog ownership
You can use the form below to tell us about irresponsible dog ownership including:
- a dog regularly straying into the street or other people’s gardens
- a dog being walked without a lead in an on-lead area or in an exclusion area
- a dog being walked and not under control
- dog fouling not being cleared up where the owner or handler is known or where you were a witness
Please select the 'other dog issue option'.
Your report should take no more than 3 to 4 minutes.
By submitting the form you agree that you have read and accepted how we process your personal data.
Use the button to report as a guest:
Alternatively, login to / register for a Council Services account to report a dog issue.