Decision details

The report presents the outcome of the public consultation on the proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control) 2026 and seeks approval for the controls recommended by officers following consideration of the quantitative consultation results, written representations and operational and environmental considerations.

 

The Council uses a Dog Control PSPO to address dog-related behaviour in public spaces where that behaviour has, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of people using those spaces.

 

The current arrangements include controls relating to dog fouling and dogs on leads, including seasonal restrictions intended to protect ecologically sensitive locations.

 

The proposed 2026 PSPO provides an opportunity to review these controls and determine whether existing provisions should be retained, amended or extended.

 

The recommendations in this report seek to achieve a proportionate balance between:

• maintaining clean, safe and accessible public spaces;

• promoting responsible dog ownership;

• protecting wildlife and sensitive habitats;

• ensuring restrictions are clear, proportionate and capable of effective enforcement.

Approve the Public Space Protection Order (Dog Control) 2026 as set out in Appendix A, along with associated maps as set out in Appendix B.

 

This includes the following recommendations:

 

1.    the continuation of the requirement for a person in charge of a dog to remove dog faeces immediately within the areas covered by the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) (Dog Control) 2026.

 

2.    the provision enabling an authorised officer to require a person in charge of a dog to demonstrate that they have a suitable means to collect and dispose of dog faeces, subject to appropriate exemptions contained within the Order.

 

3.    the provision enabling an authorised officer to require that the person in charge of dogs put them on a lead if the dogs are out of control or a threat to other people or animals.

 

4.    the continuation of existing dogs on leads at all times in the following areas

 

• Cemeteries

o Newmarket Road Cemetery – the whole of the cemetery

o Histon Road Cemetery – the whole of the cemetery

 

•      Cherry Hinton Hall – area by pond / stream

 

•      Hanover and Princess Court – the green area outside the residential areas

 

•     Tenby Close – the whole of the park

 

•     Nightingale Rec - Community Garden

 

5.    to retains the current seasonal dogs-on-leads control at Mill Road Cemetery

 

6.    the continuation of the existing seasonal dogs-on-leads controls at the following Local Nature Reserves:

o Nine Wells LNR;

o Limekiln LNR

o East Pit LNR;

o West Pit LNR;

o Bramblefields LNR

o Barnwell East LNR;

o Barnwell West LNR;

o Paradise LNR;

o Logan's Meadow LNR.

o Mill Road Cemetery (whole site)

 

7.    the introduction of seasonal dogs-on-leads controls at Byron's  

       Pool Local Nature Reserve.

 

8.    the introduction of seasonal dogs-on-leads controls at Church

       End, Local Nature Reserve.

 

9.     the introduction of seasonal dogs-on-leads controls at Fulbourn Road Local Nature Reserve.

 

10. the amendment to Schedule 2 that would prohibit dogs and their owners from entering fenced or enclosed recreational areas within Cambridge City Council public open spaces.

 

11. the existing limit of on the number of dogs that can be walked by a person at Byron’s Pool LNR, Coldhams Common sports pitches and Hobson’s park.

 

12. exclude the introduction of a seasonal dogs-on-leads control within Hobson's Park from the Order at this time and authorise officers to undertake further site-specific engagement and evidence review before returning a separate report and recommendation.

 

13.  delegates authority to the relevant Director, in consultation with the Cabinet Member and the Council's Legal Services, to finalise and make the Dog Control PSPO and make any minor drafting, mapping or administrative amendments necessary to implement the above decisions.