The Council is asking people if they think rules which ensure dog owners act responsibly at Lydiard Park should be kept in place.
From Monday 1 July, people will be able to respond to a consultation on the proposed continuation of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) regarding dog control at Lydiard Park.
In 2016, the Council introduced the PSPO following multiple complaints of out of control or nuisance dogs. The order was designed to ensure that people could enjoy public spaces without experiencing anti-social behaviour.
Since the introduction of the order, complaints of nuisance dogs at Lydiard have completely reduced. Fouling complaints at the park have also reduced.
PSPOs must be renewed every three years and as part of the renewal process, the Council is asking members of the public to give their views.
Alison Waine, Swindon Borough Council’s Environmental Protection Officer for animals, said: “This Public Space Protection Order has so far proved very successful and we would love to know what people think about our plans to extend it.
“Lydiard Park is one of Swindon’s most beautiful open spaces and this order ensures that it can be enjoyed by everybody.
“I would fully encourage people to take part in the consultation and the results will be published soon after.”
The order requires dogs to be kept on leads in certain areas of the park at specific times and excludes dogs at all times from the small, fully enclosed Walled Garden and rick yard area. The order does not apply to registered assistance dogs.
Public Spaces Protection Orders were introduced as part of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. If a PSPO is breached the perpetrator may receive a £100 on the spot fine, or may face a fine of up to £1,000 in the magistrates court. The aim of the legislation, however, is to change behaviour, rather than to seek financial recompense.
The vast majority of dog owners have so far conformed to the requirements and those that have been spoken to by officers have immediately complied with their request. Due to this positive response, there has not been a need to serve any fixed penalty notices so far.
The consultation will end on at 5pm on 30 July. To comment, log on to www.swindon.gov.uk and click on ‘Consultations and Surveys’.
