Statutory Consultation – Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) – Proposed Controls relating to Dog Fouling across West Oxfordshire District.
West Oxfordshire District Council is consulting on a proposal to introduce a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) under Section 59 of the Anti‑Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The proposed Order will make it an offence for a person in control of a dog to fail to remove dog faeces from land to which this Order applies. West Oxfordshire District Council has received over 63 reports in the last 3 years relating to dog fouling and as the current existing legislation is outdated, the West Oxfordshire District Council therefore proposes the introduction of a district wide PSPO in order to enhance its enforcement ability with regard to dog fouling.
To address this issue the Council has undertaken periodic patrols and installed anti-dog fouling signage in areas identified through reported complaints. The Council, in making this proposal, wishes to set a clearer, consistent and more enforceable requirement that we believe will provide a meaningful deterrent and result in fewer incidences of dog fouling across the district.
As required under the legislation, the Council must consult the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and other relevant organisations before implementing or varying a PSPO.
West Oxfordshire District Council is satisfied that the legal threshold for making a PSPO have been met.
These tests require that the behaviour:
- has had, or is likely to have, a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those in the locality;
- is, or is likely to be, persistent or continuing in nature;
- is, or is likely to be, unreasonable; and
- justifies the restrictions proposed.
In proposing this PSPO, the Council has considered the rights and freedoms under the European Convention on Human Rights, including Article 10 (freedom of expression). Having done so, the Council is satisfied that the measures proposed are lawful, reasonable, and proportionate. The PSPO may remain in place for up to three years, after which it may be renewed or varied following review.
The consultation will run from 24th July 2026 to 4th September 2026. During this time, a link to an online questionnaire will be available on the West Oxfordshire District Council website here:
The link on the website will be live starting from the 24th July 2026 and end on the 4th September 2026. During this time, we encourage you to share this questionnaire so that the public can provide their comments, or suggestions regarding the proposed PSPO.
Alternatively, you are encouraged to email or post in your comments regarding the PSPO, please use the following email and subject line:
ers@publicagroup.uk (please use the subject line: PSPO Consultation – Dog Fouling)
Or by post to:
Environmental & Regulatory Services
West Oxfordshire District Council
PSPO Consultation – Dog Fouling
Council Offices
Witney
OX28 1NB
If you require additional time to respond, please let us know. Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this consultation.