Wealden District Council is seeking to continue its existing dog fouling enforcement regime for a further three-year period.

The local council intends to refresh its Public Spaces Protection Order introduced under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which currently bars dog owners from neglecting to remove their pets’ waste in public spaces.

The existing PSPO expires on November 20, 2026, and the proposed extension would grant an additional three years.

A council paper states that most dog walkers behave responsibly and pick up after their animals, yet a stroll along any path or visit to any park in Wealden demonstrates that a minority continue to disregard this requirement.

The document suggests that the next stage should involve a public consultation exercise.

PSPOs serve to address conduct detrimental to community welfare by imposing conditions on activities in public spaces.

The council observed that retaining the order would further environmental and climate ambitions by limiting pollution of soil and water systems, protecting wildlife and encouraging appropriate waste disposal.

The council indicated that upholding the ban would reduce harmful substances in the local environment.

The council noted that canine excrement contains substantial nutrient concentrations alongside potentially dangerous organisms and parasites, which can be washed into surface water, soil and drainage systems, particularly during heavy rainfall.

Under the current PSPO, failure to remove dog waste results in a fixed penalty of £75, which must be paid within 14 days to avoid court action.

Should the PSPO not be renewed, the council will lose its powers to enforce rules regarding dog mess.

The existing order merely requires dog handlers to clear waste immediately and deposit it in a suitable bin.

A decision is anticipated on April 30.