DOG CONTROL ORDERS

The Council recognises that the vast majority of dog owners are responsible. They pick up after their dogs and keep them under proper control. However, there are a minority of people who don't and this creates a number of problems.

Following a public consultation, East Staffordshire Borough Council has implemented new Dog Control Orders under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, which came into effect on 1st April 2010 and will affect dog owners within the borough.

The Dog Control Orders replace current controls such as byelaws and the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996.

The Dog Control Orders will require dog owners to:

Clean up after a dog has fouled
Keep dogs on a lead in designated areas
Put and keep a dog on a lead when asked to do so by an authorised officer
Keep dogs out of certain areas

East Staffordshire Borough Council is keen to promote responsible dog ownership and help to create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for all.

A summary of the Dog Control Orders, made under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 within the borough of East Staffordshire, is detailed below.

Dog Control Order One: Removing Dog Faeces

This order requires people in control of a dog to immediately remove faeces deposited by the dog on all areas of land which are open to the air and to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access, within the borough of East Staffordshire.

An offence is committed if a person in charge of a dog fails to remove the faeces forthwith unless he/she can offer a reasonable excuse for failing to do so, or the owner/occupier of the ground has consented to his failing to do so. This order applies to all land within the borough which is open to the public, including roads, footpaths, pavements, grass verges, alleyways and towpaths, children's play areas, allotments, parks and open spaces included wooded areas.

Special dog bins do not have to be provided for the order to apply. It is acceptable to put wrapped dog waste in public litter bins or to take it home and place it in a grey wheeled bin.

Dog Control Order Two: Dogs On Leads

This order requires individuals in control of a dog to keep the dog on a lead in the following areas.

Dog Control Order Three: Dogs On Leads When Directed

This order applies to any public open spaces, (or part thereof) within the borough covered by the Dogs On Lead direction order. All areas of land which are open to the air and to which the public are entitled or permitted to have access to within the borough of East Staffordshire are included. This order requires individuals in these areas to put and keep a dog on a lead when asked to do so by an authorised officer.

An offence is committed when in charge of a dog on land to which a dog control order applies, the dog is not put and thereafter kept on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer. Examples of authorised officers include:

Neighbourhood Wardens
Environmental Health Personnel
Police Community Support Officers

Dog Control Order Four: Excluding Dogs from Land

This order excludes dogs at all times from various designated sites within the borough. An offence is committed if an individual in charge of a dog, at any time takes a dog onto, or permits the dog to enter or remain on any land to which an order applies. See as follows

Fixed Penalty Notices and Enforcement

You can pay your fixed penalty notice online

East Staffordshire Borough Council will issue on the spot Fixed Penalty Notices of £75 to enforce the Dog Control Orders as prescribed by Section 59 of the Clean Neighbourhoods Act 2005. Failure to pay the fine within fourteen days of issue may lead to prosecution and a criminal conviction.

Neighbourhood Wardens, Enforcement Officers and Police Community Support Officers are all authorised to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to any person in control of a dog who contravenes a Dog Control Order.

The areas covered by the Dog Control Orders may be viewed Mon to Fri, free of charge at: