Great Yarmouth Borough Council seeks public input on proposal to renew rules around control of dogs

Following public feedback, a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced across the borough in 2017 which means pet owners must pick up dog mess, keep dogs on leads in certain areas and bans dogs from specific places, such as play areas.

Legally, the PSPO must be reviewed every three years and it is due to expire this Spring. The council is now seeking input from individuals, landowners and organisations to understand if people think the order should be continued.

Depending on public feedback, if the order is renewed it would be the same as the previous PSPO with the extra stipulation that dogs should be kept on a lead in the Market Place in Great Yarmouth. This follows a number of reports from people who have been worried by dogs running free there.

If it goes ahead, the PSPO would fall under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and specifies that:

·       Dog fouling - Anyone in charge of the dog at the time must remove the faeces from the land forthwith.

·       Dogs on leads by order - Anyone in charge of a dog on land within the borough to which the public has access must comply with a direction from police officers, community support officers or council officers to put and keep the dog on a lead.

·       Lead requirements - Anyone in charge of a dog must keep the dog on a lead when on specific areas detailed in the PSPO.

·       Dog bans - Anyone in charge of a dog must not at any time (or during the period specified) take it on to areas marked in the order.

Anyone breaching the terms of the order is liable to a fine under the legislation, which is designed to ensure dog owners recognise their responsibilities and ensure they remove dog fouling and make sure their dog does not cause alarm or distress to others.

Councillor Paul Wells, GYBC's portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, said: ''The majority of dog owners are considerate and responsible. However, we have a small minority of people who spoil our communities by not picking up dog mess or who don't control their pets properly.

''The order has been successfully running for a number of years and enables us to take action against those who insist on being inconsiderate or, worse, causing a danger to others.

''Feedback via the survey will provide important information as the council considers renewing the order.''

To share your views about the proposed PSPO renewal please visit https://have-your-say.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/pspo3-dog-control-2026. The consultation closes on February 27, 2026. Hard copies of the consultation are available to complete from the Town Hall at Hall Plain, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2QF. The Town Hall is open 9am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday, except Wednesdays when it is open from 10am until 4.30pm.

Full detail about the PSPOs currently in place in the borough of Great Yarmouth can be found at https://www.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/public-space-protection-orders