This consultation is now closed
A period for public comment will start on Thursday 10 August for 28 days ahead of the proposed introduction of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog fouling and control.
The PSPO will replace old legislation (which expires later this year), and will simplify the existing rules for dog control across the district. It will also enable greater enforcement powers to be implemented against irresponsible dog owners who do not control their dogs or pick up their dog’s poo.
We know these are important issues for residents, so the PSPO will reinforce our zero tolerance approach and enable us to take action and fine the minority of people who blight our wonderful beaches and open spaces.
What behaviours will the PSPO cover?
- Failing to remove faeces
- Not having a suitable item to pick up dog faeces with
- Not putting and keeping a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer
- Permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded. These exclusion areas include fenced children’s play areas, cemeteries, ball courts and tennis courts.
- Dog Control on beaches as follows:
| Beach Name | Dogs on a lead between the hours of: |
| Botany Bay | Between the hours of 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September |
| Joss Bay | Between the hours of 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September |
| Louisa Bay | Between the hours of 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September |
| Margate Main Sands | 24 hours from 1 May to 30 September |
| Minnis Bay (Part) | Between the hours of 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September |
| Pegwell Bay | 24 hours from 1 May to 30 September |
| Ramsgate Main Sands | 24 hours from 1 May to 30 September |
| St Mildreds Bay | Between the hours of 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September |
| Stone Bay | Between the hours of 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September |
| Viking Bay | Between the hours of 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September |
| Walpole Bay | Between the hours of 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September |
| West Bay | Between the hours of 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September |
| Westbrook Bay | Between the hours of 10am and 6pm from 1 May to 30 September |
Maps of these locations are also available.
A copy of the PSPO proposal can be downloaded here
Any enforcement officer can enforce the PSPO, with an on-the-spot fine/fixed penalty notice of £80 issued to anyone found not to be following the PSPO. If unpaid, a convicted offender could be fined up to £1,000.
Views can be submitted via feedback@thanet.gov.uk before 7 September 2017. A decision on implementing a Public Space Protection Order will be taken by Cabinet on 19 September. If approved, the PSPO would come into effect on 16 October.