Issue - meetings

To consider a recommendation from Place Scrutiny Committee of 24 October 2019.

Decision

(a)       That the consultation proposals and the content of the consultation as set out in Appendix A of the report to Place Scrutiny Committee of 24 October 2019 be approved.

(b)       That the extension of the current Dog-related PSPO’s in the former East Dorset, Purbeck, West Dorset and Weymouth & Portland council areas until 31 December 2020 be approved.

Reason for Decision

A single Dog-related PSPO for the council area will help ensure consistency, fairness and clarity for residents and visitors to Dorset and will assist the efficient use of enforcement resources. 

While it is a requirement to consult with stakeholders prior to introducing a PSPO, it is appropriate to define the parameters of the consultation in order to avoid generating unworkable proposals or raising unreasonable expectations.

A number of Dog-related PSPOs currently in place from predecessor councils will expire during the period of the making of the new Order. Should those expiry dates not be extended, it will not be possible to enforce the relevant requirements for public safety and animal welfare.

The Portfolio Holder presented a report and recommendation from Place Scrutiny Committee regarding to proposed content of a public consultation for a Dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to replace and consolidate existing PSPO’s and bylaws for the Council area. 

Decision

(a)       That the consultation proposals and the content of the consultation as set out in Appendix A of the report to Place Scrutiny Committee of 24 October 2019 be approved.

(b)       That the extension of the current Dog-related PSPO’s in the former East Dorset, Purbeck, West Dorset and Weymouth & Portland council areas until 31 December 2020 be approved.

Reason for Decision

A single Dog-related PSPO for the council area will help ensure consistency, fairness and clarity for residents and visitors to Dorset and will assist the efficient use of enforcement resources. 

While it is a requirement to consult with stakeholders prior to introducing a PSPO, it is appropriate to define the parameters of the consultation in order to avoid generating unworkable proposals or raising unreasonable expectations.

A number of Dog-related PSPOs currently in place from predecessor councils will expire during the period of the making of the new Order. Should those expiry dates not be extended, it will not be possible to enforce the relevant requirements for public safety and animal welfare.