A clampdown on anti-social behaviour involving dogs could be reinstated by the Isle of Wight council after a cabinet meeting coming up on Thursday.
The Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) include regulations relating to dog fouling, beaches, cemeteries, children’s playgrounds, public highways, St Helens Duver and rights of way.
1,098 online survey responses
Following a consultation attracting 1,098 online survey responses and 18 written submissions, the cabinet is due to reach a decision at its Thursday meeting.
The PSPOs currently under consideration have expired, with reinstatement being necessary to ensure continued enforcement.
Results of the feedback analysed
County Hall’s report, signed by Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment and planning, and cabinet member Lora Peacey-Wilcox, recommended a reinstatement.
The document said,
‘The power to grant Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) was given to local authorities in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
‘The PSPO provisions are designed to address anti-social behaviour and nuisance issues that are having or are likely to have a detrimental effect on the local community.
‘Failure to implement the orders effectively may lead to the continuation of nuisance or anti-social behaviour.
‘A consultation period between 9th September 2024, and 27th October 2024, has been implemented and results of the feedback analysed.’
Under County Hall’s dog fouling order, people in charge of dogs must remove faeces from any public land. Relevant places include open spaces, parks and the highway network.
100 per cent of consultation responses received by the council were in support of the dog fouling PSPO. The ‘dogs on beaches’ order excludes dogs from selected beaches between 1st May and 30th September.
Time element to be considered
As well as deciding on approval, Cabinet members will consider adding a time element: if for example dogs should be excluded between 9am and 6pm.
In total, 58 per cent of consultees supported the beaches order compared to 42 per cent who disagreed.
The ‘dogs in cemeteries’ order requires dogs to be on leads in Island cemeteries. On this, 97 per cent agreed, while three per cent opposed it.
Children’s play areas
A ‘dogs in fenced children’s playgrounds’ restriction bans dogs from fenced children’s play areas.
On this, 96 per cent were in favour and four per cent opposed it.
Public highways
The ‘dog control on public highway’ order requires dogs to be on leads at all times when on roads, pavements and verges. On this, 96 per cent supported the regulation and four per cent were opposed.
The St Helens Duver PSPO orders dogs to be kept on leads on parts of the St Helens Duver revetment and car park between 1st May and 30th September. On this, 81 per cent were in support and 19 per cent opposed it.
An order relating to rights of way requires dogs to be on leads when passing through livestock.
This received 98 per cent support with two per cent being opposed.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
