Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO)

Bedford Borough Council has consulted with its citizens and stakeholders of the borough for their views on introducing a single order relating to dogs in the borough - aiming to create a more consistent approach in the borough and balance the needs of dog owners and other members of the community.

Section 59 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 enables the Council to bring in a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) under new powers introduced by Government.

The Council would like to thank all those who took part in the consultation which is now closed. A report was taken to the Council’s Executive on 15 June 2016. The report including the consultation responses received can be accessed here.

On 17th July 2019 the PSPO was extended until 26th July 2022. Access the PSPO Dog Control 2019 extension here.

Why is Bedford using PSPO for dog control?

The Council believes these proposed changes will benefit local communities, neighbourhoods, and the local economy, as they will help in the creation and maintenance of clean, safe and healthy neighbourhoods, town centres and visitor destinations.

How can a PSPO in relation to dog control benefit me?

The Council aims to promote responsible dog ownership and reduce complaints for dog issues such as dog fouling.

This allows the public and especially children access to dog-free or dog-controlled areas intended for recreational purposes to improve health and well-being, making Bedford a safe and enjoyable place to live.

The Council intends to reduce and tackle issues relating to dogs running loose and causing a nuisance to others, and also to reduce the potential health implications associated with dog faeces. 

The PSPO covers four key offences:

• The Dogs Exclusion Order: The effect of the Order is to make it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to permit the dog to enter or remain on any land to which this Order applies.
• The Dogs On Leads Order: The effect of the Order is to make it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to ensure that a dog is kept on a lead on any land to which the Order applies. 
• The Dogs On Leads by Direction Order: The effect of the Order is to make it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to put that dog on a lead under the direction of an authorised officer on any land to which the Order applies.
• The Fouling of Land by Dogs Order: The effect of this Order is to make it an offence for a person in charge of a dog to fail to remove faeces forthwith from any land to which the Order applies.