Last night, Medway Council approved a Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at promoting responsible dog ownership and ensuring our public spaces remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. While Reform UK welcomes measures to enhance community safety, we believe in striking the right balance between regulation and freedom for responsible pet owners.
Key Changes Introduced
The new PSPO includes the following provisions:
- Leash Requirements: Dogs must now be kept on leads in certain areas, including children’s play zones, cemeteries, and specified parks.
- Exclusion Zones: Dogs are prohibited from entering specific locations such as playgrounds and sports pitches to maintain cleanliness and safety.
- Waste Disposal Rules: Dog owners are required to clean up after their pets and dispose of waste responsibly.
- Limits on Dog Walking: The number of dogs one person can walk at a time has been capped to ensure better control.
Reform UK’s Perspective
At Reform UK, we understand the importance of maintaining public safety and cleanliness, and we support measures that encourage responsible pet ownership. However, we also recognise the concerns of dog owners who fear overregulation may unfairly target those who already act responsibly.
We encourage Medway Council to ensure these measures are implemented with common sense and fairness. Enforcement must focus on addressing genuine issues rather than penalising the majority of responsible dog owners. Clear communication of the rules and designated areas will be essential to avoid unnecessary confusion.
A Call for Collaboration
We call on Medway Council to engage with local dog owners and community groups to monitor the impact of these changes and make adjustments where necessary. We must ensure that while we protect our public spaces, we also safeguard the rights and freedoms of law-abiding citizens.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
If you have concerns or suggestions about these new measures, we encourage you to share them with us or your local council representatives. Your input is vital in shaping policies that work for everyone in our community.
Reform UK remains committed to holding local authorities accountable while advocating for practical, balanced solutions that respect the rights of all residents. Together, we can make Medway a safe and welcoming place for both people and pets.