Public Asked for Their Views as Dog Control Order in Ribble Valley is Set to Be Renewed
Ribble Valley Borough Council has launched a consultation into whether controls on dogs in public spaces should be continued.
The council introduced a public spaces protection order, or PSPO, in 2017 to tackle the scourge of dog poop in public and make the borough cleaner, safer and healthier.
The order lasts three years with the current one set to expire in October. The council wants the views of residents on whether it should be extended for another three years.
An online survey has been launched to give residents, including dog owners, the chance to voice their views.
The consultation is available online at Consultation on Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order 2026 or printed copies are available for completion from the council offices in Church Walk, Clitheroe.
The consultation runs until Sunday 19 July.
The PSPO makes it an offence to:
- Fail to pick up your dog poop in a public place
- Not be in possession of pet poop bags
- Let your dog off its lead in Clitheroe Cemetery
- Allow your dog to enter a playground or sports pitch
- Refuse to put your dog on a lead if asked by a dog warden
- Be in charge of more than four dogs at once
Anyone breaching the order faces a £100 fixed penalty notice or day in court and fine of up to £1,000.
Mark Hindle, chairman of the council’s health and housing committee, said:
“We want to hear from people about their thoughts on how the current order is working and whether it needs amending.
“Public spaces should be a safe environment for everyone to enjoy and, in some cases, this means restricting where dogs can go and when they should be kept on leads. The majority of dog owners understand this and are responsible for their pets and their actions.
“The PSPO gives the council powers to act against a dog owner who doesn’t behave responsibly, for example not picking up dog poo. Dog fouling is something that we all hate to see.
“Without the order, we would not be able to keep the borough clean, safe and healthy, tackle dog fouling and nuisance dog behaviour, or enforce the restrictions, so we want to hear from residents, including dog owners, on whether they want it to continue.”
If you would like to help shape local services, why not join the Ribble Valley People’s Panel? You will be invited to take part in online surveys on important issues, and your feedback will inform council decisions. People aged under 45 and especially between 16 and 24 are particularly welcome to join. Further information is available at Ribble Valley’s People's Panel.