Agenda item

The Council’s existing borough-wide Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) for the control of dogs was due to expire on 18 October 2023. Initial indications from the Police, Councillors and other community representatives were that there was an appetite to consider varying and possibly expanding the conditions of the PSPO to address wider community concerns.

It was expected that it would take approximately 12 months to fully investigate the issues that had been raised and undertake full, meaningful consultation and co- production of any future PSPO prohibitions.

To ensure that the community did not lose the protection afforded by the existing PSPO conditions whilst this process is undertaken, it was proposed to extend the existing PSPO for a period 18 months, to 30 April 2025.

The consultation for the extension of an existing PSPO was simplified as it sought to capture whether the extension is supported by the community and partner agencies, or not.

On the 11th August 2023, the Director of Environment and Resident Experience took the decision to go out to consultation on the extension of the PSPO for a 5 week period, from the 16th of August to the 20th August 2023 Ratification of that decision was now required. The consultation would be available online and subject to targeted promotion to partner agencies, key community representatives, groups and forums.

The Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion RESOLVED

1. To ratify the decision of the Director of Environment and Resident Experience to consult on the extension of the Haringey Dog control PSPO as set out in Appendix A of the report.

2. To note that following the consultation a further report would be submitted to the Cabinet Member for a decision on extending the PSPO.

Reasons for Decision

A Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) sets clear conditions for the use of public areas and enables officers authorised by the Council and Police Officers to engage individuals and educate them about their responsibilities taking action, such as issuing a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), if appropriate.

The publication of the conditions of the PSPO by strategically placed signs around the area in which it was effective ensured those using the public space are aware of their responsibilities for:

• disposing of the waste of any dog that is in their care at the time;
• keeping a dog under their control, and on lead in some areas, such as highways and in cemeteries;
• preventing their dog from entering areas where they are not permitted, such as children’s play areas.
• Walking no more than 6 dogs at the same time.

If the PSPO conditions were to expire it would be necessary to remove all related signage and it is likely that the issues it was introduced to address will recur.

The expiration of the PSPO would also limit the options for Council and Police officers to take action to address behaviours that have a detrimental effect on the local community.

Alternative options considered

Not to consult or extend the PSPO.

This option was not recommended as it is likely the behaviours that it was originally introduced to deter will recur, as outlined in 3.1 to 3.4 above, having a detrimental effect on the local community.