Dog control orders
From 20 October 2017, the existing dog control orders in Chesterfield (shown below) became a Public Spaces Protection Order.
What do the orders cover?
On 1 November 2011, we adopted two orders in relation to our cemeteries and the crematorium grounds.
The first relates to the fouling of dogs. It is an offence for any person in charge of a dog, which defecates on that land not to remove the faeces forthwith.
The second relates to keeping a dog under control on a lead. It is an offence for any person in charge of a dog to not keep it on a lead in the cemeteries and the crematorium grounds listed below:
- Boythorpe Cemetery
- Brimington Cemetery
- Spital Cemetery
- Staveley Cemetery
- Crematorium Grounds
From 1 October 2012, another dog control order made it an offence to not remove dog faeces from publicly accessible areas throughout the borough, except for that already covered by the cemeteries order.
Eastwood Park dog control order
On 1 August 2013, three dog control orders came into force at Eastwood Park, Hasland. One order excludes dogs from the play area, another requires dogs on leads at all times around the lodge, wildlife garden and tennis courts area, and the third order requires dogs to be put on lead in the remainder of the park, if asked to do by an authorised council officer. This could happen in instances where a dog is interfering with other people's enjoyment of the park, or when events are being held in the grounds.
Find out more about the Eastwood Park dog control order.
Why did the council do this?
There are increasing public concerns over irresponsible dog ownership, including complaints of dog attacks on people and their pets, dogs fouling and urinating on grassed areas as well as graves, and dogs out of control. This obviously causes a great deal of upset, as well as reducing the overall impression and cleanliness of the cemeteries. In addition, dog faeces create health and safety risks for visitors and maintenance personnel alike, especially those tending to graves.
A range of publicity campaigns and enforcement actions have been delivered to ensure the current law on dog fouling is upheld but still a minority of irresponsible dog owners continue to flout the law. Our public areas such as parks are there for all users to enjoy and the council aims to make such areas accessible to all.
