The Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) will be renewed for a further three years from 1 October 2026, following public consultation.
The renewed PSPO for dog controls, which was agreed following consideration by the Public Protection and Enforcement Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee, forms part of the council’s campaign to support responsible dog ownership. The ongoing campaign helps to protect residents and visitors while providing clear expectations for dog owners using public spaces across the borough.
The renewed order retains the existing dog controls across the borough, including measures relating to dog fouling, dog exclusion areas, dogs on leads by direction and the maximum number of dogs that can be walked by one person. Dogs must also be kept on leads on streets across the borough and remain excluded from designated areas such as children's play spaces.
Councillor Angela Page, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Enforcement, said: “The renewed order will help protect residents and ensure Bromley's public spaces remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation. Residents have shown clear support for renewing the Dog Control PSPO, which helps promote responsible dog ownership and provides important powers to tackle issues such as dog fouling and other dog-related nuisance.”
As part of the renewed order, dog owners are reminded that the actions which will continue to be an offence include:
- Failing to remove dog faeces
- Not putting, and keeping, a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer
- Being in charge of a dog who enters a designated exclusion zone
- Not keeping a dog on a lead in designated areas, including:
- Public highways,
- Café and outdoor seating,
- Cemeteries,
- Allotments, and nature reserves
- Walking more than three dogs without a licence issued by Bromley Council
- Failing to keep a dog under proper control
More than 700 residents responded to the four-week consultation, with stakeholders, including organisations such as the Metropolitan Police Service, Dogs Trust, The Kennel Club, the RSPCA, RNIB, Friends of Parks groups, and Street Friends, invited to take part. Over 70 per cent supported renewal of the Dog Control PSPO, while a third reported recently witnessing poorly controlled, aggressive or threatening dog behaviour in Bromley.
The consultation also sought views on a proposal to exclude dogs from cemeteries. Following consideration of consultation responses, the existing arrangements will remain in place, meaning dogs will continue to be permitted in cemeteries provided they are kept on a lead.
The council will continue to enforce the Dog Control PSPO where necessary. Between 2023 and 2026, 121 Fixed Penalty Notices were issued for breaches of the order. Residents can find out more about responsible dog ownership and the Dog Control PSPO.
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For media enquiries, please contact David Aderogba, Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8466 3060 or email david.aderogba@bromley.gov.uk