Renewal of Wrexham County Borough Council Dog Control and Dog Fouling Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

Background to consultation

In October 2014 the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 (the Act) introduced new powers relevant to tackling Anti-Social Behaviour. In September 2023 the Executive Board approved a 3-year Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) dealing with dog control and dog fouling across Wrexham County Borough.

The legislation states that the maximum time a PSPO can be implemented for is three years, before requiring a review. There are no restrictions on the number of times the PSPO can be reviewed and re-implemented.

The Public Space Protection Order to date, has supported the Council in its approach and the enforcement of dog control and dog fouling across the County Borough. The PSPO needs to be in place to ensure public land is kept free from dog fouling and that dog owners act responsibly to keep dogs under control in public areas. The PSPO allows enforcement action to be taken where appropriate.

By not addressing concerns effectively it is clear that there is risk to the quality of life of residents, a risk to the reputation of Wrexham, including loss of trade and attractiveness to new businesses, and subsequently a reduction in visitors/tourists to the area.

What do we know?

The PSPO is one of the available tools and powers in the Act to address anti-social behaviour for the benefit of residents, visitors and local businesses. Enforcement, alone, is not the answer to the issues, but it is a vital part of a holistic approach including behaviour change campaigns

What are we are consulting on?

Wrexham County Borough Council is carrying out a public consultation to determine the views of the general public and other interested bodies on whether the measures contained in the PSPO are still supported and should continue. The PSPO covers the entire County Borough, and is shown in the area within the boundary on the map. This will be referred to as the 'relevant' area.

How your views will be used:

The outcome of the public consultation will be considered by the Executive Board in September 2026 and will be made available on the council website.