Residents are being asked whether Bolton should extend four Public Space Protection Orders that set out where dogs must be kept on leads, which areas they are banned from, and the requirement to clean up after them.
The orders, which give police and council officers extra powers to tackle nuisance from irresponsible owners, are due to expire in October 2026. They cover dog fouling, dogs on leads, dogs on leads by direction, and excluding dogs from certain places. A consultation is open until Monday, 13 July 2026, and anyone who lives, works or visits the borough can take part.
Bolton first introduced the restrictions as Designated Public Protection Orders in 2007, and they became PSPOs under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The law requires the council to review them every three years, though there is no cap on how many times they can be renewed. Draft copies of the proposed orders and notices of intention to extend are available on the council’s website, where an online survey can also be completed. Paper copies can be requested, and the consultation team can be contacted on 01204 334875.
Assistance dog owners are exempt from the requirements. Anyone who breaches a PSPO risks a £100 fixed penalty notice, or a fine of up to £1,000 if the case goes to court.
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