Published Monday, 12th August 2024

A new borough-wide rule, limiting a dog walker to four dogs, has been introduced by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, following a review of its dog public space protection orders (PSPOs).

Reducing the number of dogs a person can walk at any one time from six to four received support from eight out of ten survey respondents (out of a total of 492). The change was proposed following ongoing concerns raised by residents about dog walkers being able to control groups of dogs. The limit of four is recommended by the RSPCA and pet business insurers.    

A five-week public consultation, which took place last autumn, received 561 responses and showed high levels of support for the existing borough-wide PSPOs. More than 92% of the 513 responses agreed that dogs must be kept under control on a lead in designated dogs-on-lead areas or if asked by an authorised officer and that dog walkers are responsible for clearing up after dog fouling.

Existing orders for some specified areas, such as parks, playgrounds and recreation areas, where dogs are either not allowed or must be on a lead, will also be renewed, along with the introduction of some new areas:

  • New play areas in Westvale Park, Horley, will be dog exclusion areas
  • The area of Earlswood Lakes where dogs will need to be kept on a lead has been extended to include the grassed area to the west of the lower lake up to the footpath leading from the carpark.

Dog PSPOs give the police and Council powers to issue fixed penalty notices to anyone responsible for a dog that they reasonably believe is in breach of the PSPO. Signage is being updated across the Borough and in open spaces where dog-on-lead orders are present. This allows the Joint Enforcement Team to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to dog owners or walkers who do not adhere to the imposed orders.

Cllr Hannah Avery Executive Member for Neighbourhood Services said: “We want everyone to be able to enjoy walking about the borough or visiting our parks and play areas, whether they have a dog or not. These PSPOs will help us to balance the needs of all, including the many responsible dog owners and their dogs that rely on our beautiful green spaces.”

Full information about the dog PSPOs can be found on the Council’s website, along with a report on the consultation findings - www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/dogs-pspo.