Decision details

To consider the proposed Blackpool Borough Council (Dog Control and Dog Fouling) Public Space Protection Order 2018, which has been formulated following a comprehensive public consultation exercise, which included the following proposals:

• Dogs on leads – increasing the current number of dogs on leads areas to include Fishers Field, Promenade Middle Walk, Cabin Walk, Starr Gate Tram Circle and South Promenade Grass Embankment;
• Dog exclusion areas – in addition to the current exclusion, to include marked-out sports pitches at all times whether in use or not;
• Number of dogs walked – limit the maximum number of dogs exercised by one person to four, with only two off a lead at any one time;
• Means to pick-up – that a dog walker/owner must be able to provide the means to pick up their dog’s faeces at the request of an authorised officer;
• Dogs on leads by request – to continue with current powers that exist;
• Microchipping – to disallow non-microchipped dogs from being exercised off-lead in any public space, with a fixed penalty notice of £100 for non- compliance.

A question was also included in relation to the minimum age a child or young person should be able to walk a dog.

To consider whether to continue dialogue with interested parties, as a result of positive discussions and commitment from all sides to make Blackpool a more dog friendly town. (See 5.19).

The Cabinet Member agreed the recommendations as outlined above namely:

1. To approve the Public Space Protection Order Dog Control and Dog Fouling 2018 at Appendix ‘A’ for a period of three years starting from 1st December 2018.

2. To delegate to the Head of Legal Services to seal and advertise the Order.

3. In relation to the specific proposals:

•          Dogs on Leads – increasing current number of dogs on leads areas to include:

-           Fishers Field – to agree not to include. (See 5.18.2)

-           Promenade Middle Walk – to agree as it is classed as a service road;

-           Cabin Walk (Cliff top foot walk from Uncle Tom’s Cabin to Little Bispham)– to agree not to include and instead to be designated Dogs on Lead by request;

-           Starr Gate tram circle – to agree as result of proximity to tram track;

-           South Promenade Grass Embankment– to agree as adjacent to tram track.

•          Dog Exclusion areas – to agree not to change current dog exclusion areas and not include marked out sports pitches, which will remain dog exclusion areas when in use. (See 5.18.2)

•          Number of Dogs Walked – to agree not to progress this proposal. (See 5.18.1)

•          Means to Pick-Up – to agree that an authorised officer will have the powers to challenge dog walkers as to whether they have a means to pick-up their dogs faeces, or not.  The aim is for this to be intelligence led from individuals, Dog Interest Group or Friends of Parks.  (See 5.17.5)

•          Dogs on Leads by request – to agree to continue with the existing order, which allows authorised officers to request a dog be put on a lead. (See 5.17.4)

•          Microchipping – to agree not to progress with this proposal. (See 5.18.3)

To not implement any restriction regarding the age of which a child or young person should be permitted to walk a dog, while noting that this may be revisited in the future (See 5.18.4).

4. To not implement any restriction regarding the age of which a child or young person should be permitted to walk a dog, while noting that this may be revisited in the future (See 5.18.4).

5. To agree to form a group that meets regularly, which includes representatives of the Dog Interest Group and other interested parties, with the following key areas of work to consider:

•          To review grazing land within the Borough to see if any areas can be opened up for use by dog walkers;

•          To work with the Dog Wardens in order to consider greater education in terms of managing and owning a dog;

•          To consider a campaign and ways to promote Blackpool as a dog friendly resort;

•          To support the Council in helping to identify irresponsible dog owners, to facilitate the enforcement and encouraging a wider audience to provide intelligence.

•          To review current provision and facilities related to dog walking and potential enhancements that can be considered, e.g. Signage/bins.