These are the rules for dog owners in South Tyneside which are set to be renewed - and the fines they can face

Council chiefs are being asked to approve a new public spaces protection order (PSPO) for the borough which sets out restrictions on dog owners.

The existing PSPO was introduced in October 2017, replacing previous dog control orders, and helps the council deal with people who fail to control or clean up after their dog.

Enforcement officers have the power to issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100 for breaches of the rules, which include dog exclusion orders in certain areas and directions around keeping dogs on leads.

Failure to pay may lead to prosecution and a court fine of up to £1,000.

As the current PSPO formally expired at midnight on October 19, the council is looking to renew the rules for a further three years.

Proposed restrictions in the dog control PSPO include:

:: Borough-wide restrictions on dog fouling in a public space and not picking up.

:: Exclusion of dogs from all enclosed play areas in the borough.

:: Exclusion of dogs from Sandhaven Beach between May 1 and September 30.

:: Exclusion of dogs on playing fields ‘actively associated with a school.’

:: Requirement to put a dog on a lead in a public space when directed to do so by an authorised officer.

:: Requirement to have a dog on a lead at all times at all cemeteries and South Marine Park.

:: Maximum of four dogs under the control of any one person only.

The plans will be discussed by senior councillors on South Tyneside Council’s cabinet at their next virtual meeting on Wednesday, November 4.

Public consultation on the refresh took place between September 14 and October 6, with supportive responses from the public, Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner and the Kennel Club.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: “Our parks and open spaces are well used by residents and visitors to the Borough and it is important that they remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.

“While the vast majority of dog owners do act responsibly, there is still a small minority of people who do not exercise proper control over their dogs. This has a detrimental impact on our public spaces and is a key concern in our communities.

“PSPOs are important and effective tools in helping to deter dog fouling, keep our play areas safe, ensure people are able to control the number of dogs they have with them and put them on a lead if required or when requested.

“Following a review of the consultation feedback, it is recommended that the PSPOs are renewed. If approved, they will help the Council to continue its work in tackling this form of environmental crime and anti-social behaviour, with the powers to take enforcement action when it is appropriate to do so.”

A report to cabinet also reads: “The PSPO proposed has strong support from stakeholders and provides a great deal of flexibility around the enforcement of dog control complaints.

“It is capable of addressing problems across a broad spectrum of public spaces and the fixed penalty element of the order can be used to measure the impact on public spaces and promotion of responsible dog ownership.”

The meeting starts at 4pm and can be viewed here: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/watchcouncilmeetings

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.