Views sought on measures aimed at dog walkers

Views are being sought on measures taken to enforce responsible behaviour by dog walkers in Reigate and Banstead.

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council has opened a consulation on public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) used for dog walkers.

The dog PSPOs have been in place for six years and was last reviewed in 2023.

The consultation, which opened on 17 August, will gather feedback from those who use the borough's public spaces and question whether they think the current orders should be continued, changed or stopped.

Councillor Hannah Avery, executive member for neighbourhood services, said: "It's important that we balance the needs of everyone who relies on our public spaces so we can all enjoy them safely."

Dog PSPOs outline how dog walkers should control their dogs, and can apply either borough-wide or in specific areas, such as parks, commons, play areas and sports facilities.

The protection orders also 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 order.

The council is also gathering opinions on proposing new orders to cover three new play areas.

"If you visit any of these areas, with or without a dog, we'd like to hear your views on our dog controls," Avery said.

"Your feedback will help us to review our approach and encourage the kinds of responsible behaviour we want to see from dog walkers in the borough."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, X, and Instagram and listen to BBC Radio Surrey on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.