Published Monday, 17th August 2026

We are seeking local people’s views on the public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) used to enforce responsible behaviour by dog walkers in the borough, particularly in parks and green spaces.

Dog PSPOs 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 PSPO. 

Reigate & Banstead Borough Council’s dog PSPOs have been in place for six years and must be reviewed and consulted on at least every three years before they can be renewed or amended. We last reviewed our dog PSPOs in 2023.

The six-week consultation, which opens on 17 August 2026, aims to gather feedback from a wide variety of individuals and groups who use the borough’s public spaces, in particular its many parks and green spaces. In line with legislation, we would like to hear about the impact of its dog PSPOs over the last three years: whether people think the current orders should be continued, changed or stopped. Views are also sought on proposed new orders to cover three new play areas.

Cllr 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. Our beautiful parks and green spaces, in particular, are much-loved by residents and visitors alike; while also playing a vital role in supporting local wildlife.

“If you visit any of these areas, with or without a dog, we’d like to hear your views on our dog controls. 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.”

What are dog PSPOs?

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

Currently, there are borough-wide dogs PSPOs requiring:

  • dogs to be put on lead if asked by an authorised officer
  • a person in charge of a dog to clear up its mess
  • no more than four dogs can be walked by one person at any one time

The dog PSPOs for specific parks and open spaces set out where dogs are not allowed, for example in play areas; and where they must be kept on a lead, for example near lakes to protect wildlife.

How to take part

We want to hear from as many people as possible, including residents, dog owners, park visitors, professional dog walkers and local groups. People are encouraged to read the information about the three borough-wide PSPOs, as well as the information for any specific park or green space they visit before taking part in the survey. All information and a link to the survey is available on the Council’s website at www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk/dog-pspo  

A paper copy of the survey can be requested by email from JET@reigate-banstead.gov.uk

What happens next?

The consultation closes on 27 September 2026. Responses to the surveys will be considered along with other evidence from the Council’s Greenspaces team, Joint Enforcement Team and other relevant officers. Evidence from the police and other local partner organisations, as well as national dog welfare organisations and relevant professional bodies will also be reviewed.

Council officers will then make a recommendation to councillors who will decide whether to renew or amend each of the PSPOs. Results of the consultation, and the decisions that follow, will be published on the Council’s website.