Dog fouling and alcohol regulations to be extended

Following a consultation, which received 150 responses, Harborough District Council’ Cabinet agreed on 5 December 2022 to extend the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to reflect the views of the vast majority of residents who responded.

The Dog Control PSPO, which was first put in place in 2016, makes it an offence to fail to:

• Remove dog faeces (includes all land to which the public can gain access)
• Put a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer
• Have an appropriate means to pick up dog faeces, such as dog bags

Any breach of the Order could result in the issuing of a £100 fixed penalty notice or being taken to court and receiving a fine or conviction of up to £1,000.

The Alcohol Control PSPO covers Market Harborough town centre and Lutterworth town centre. The regulation does not make it illegal to carry alcohol or to drink alcohol in a public place as long as drinking is done responsibly. The PSPO will only be used to tackle potential alcohol related anti-social behaviour and allows the Police and authorised Council Officers to stop people drinking alcohol and seize or confiscate alcohol within the controlled area.

Failure to comply with the request of an authorised officer to stop drinking and/or dispose of alcohol makes an individual liable to a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) or prosecution. 

Cllr Jonathan Bateman, Cabinet lead for environmental services and open spaces said: “This extension to the Dog Control Order will enable the Council to continue to address issues such as dog fouling directly with irresponsible dog owners. This regulation is key to helping us to keep our parks and open spaces across the Harborough district clean and safe for everyone to use and enjoy.”

Cllr Simon Whelband, Cabinet lead for communities said:” The continuation of the alcohol-related PSPO is essential as it will allow the Council and the Police to continue to take hands-on action to prevent anti-social behaviour as a result of drinking alcohol in Market Harborough and Lutterworth town centres.”

Legislation requires a review to be completed before extending the duration of existing orders.

The extension of the two PSPOs is for the maximum permissible extension period of 3 years.

Copies of the orders will be available at www.harborough.gov.uk shortly.