All parking charges in council owned car parks are currently suspended until 14th June 2025. Further information can be found at www.melton.gov.uk/carparks
Paw-tential extension for dog related anti-social behaviour orders
Melton Borough Council is seeking residents’ views on how they would like the council to tackle irresponsible dog ownership in the borough.
The “Promoting Responsible Dog Ownership” Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been in place since 2020 and gives more authoritative powers to help both the Police and council tackle dog related anti-social behaviour.
It not only acts as a deterrent but allows officers to take action against dog related anti-social behaviour, such as dog fouling and keeping a dog under control, giving them the power to tackle offences and issue fines to anyone breaching the order.
The council is consulting with the public to ensure the PSPO is still fit for purpose and viewed as a valuable part of promoting responsible dog ownership within the borough.
The order is due to expire on 31 December 2025, and the council are looking to extend the order for another three years. It covers four main topics:
- Dog Fouling in specified areas.
- Failing to produce a device or other means of removing dog faeces on demand.
- Dogs on Lead by Direction.
- Dog Exclusion in Enclosed Children’s Play Areas.
Currently anyone who breaches the orders may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100, with the chance of further action being taken and a maximum fine of £1000.
Cllr Sarah Cox, Chair of the Safer Melton Partnership, said: “This order helps us to reinforce responsible dog ownership in the borough, keeping children’s play areas and open spaces safe and ensuring our environment and streets are clean.
“Currently residents are able to report instances of dog related anti-social behaviour on our website. Having these orders in place allows us to investigate and act on the information shared. One resident was recently prosecuted and ordered to pay a total of £1324 in costs for failing to pick up after their dog.
“Your feedback will play a vital role in our considerations as to whether we extend any or all of these Public Space Protections Orders for another three years, helping to shape the future of dog control in our community and ensure our public spaces are safe and clean for everyone to enjoy.”
The consultation will run until midnight on 23 July 2025 and is available, along with a draft copy of the order, at: https://haveyoursay.melton.gov.uk/housing-and-community-services/pspoextension
For those unable to complete the survey online, paper copies can be requested by calling 01664 502 502 or available to pick up from the Melton Borough Council Offices. Completed paper consultations should be returned to Safer Communities, Melton Borough Council Parkside Offices, Station Approach, Burton Street, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1GH before the consultation closure date.
If the decision is made to extend the orders, they will run for another three years until 31 December 2028. Residents can report instances of dog related anti-social behaviour on our website at melton.gov.uk/report or by calling 01664 502502.
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For more information please contact: communications@melton.gov.uk