Enforcement against dog control and public urination could change. Do you agree?
The Council is looking at updating the way in which it can deter people behaving in anti-social ways including urinating in public or not controlling their dogs, and issue fines which are fair and timely.
New proposals for powers to enforce these offences by police and council officers are being proposed. These Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) will give discretionary powers to council and police officers across the whole city.
When they find people urinating or defecating in public or on public land, or not controlling or picking up after their dogs, officers can issue on the spot fines.
Dog fouling is currently enforced with a £75 on the spot fine. The new PSPO proposed would raise that to £100 which reflects the health risks it poses.
The proposals also means that when people are found urinating or defecating in public or on public land, they can be fined. This could be instead of having to take them to court which is slower and more costly and can result in those pleading or found guilty of having a criminal record.
If introduced, these orders would last for up to three years and will form part of plans aimed at tackling all aspects of anti-social behaviour across the city.
Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Community Safety at City of York Council, said: “We want to protect residents against such anti-social, unhealthy and frightening behaviours, in a way that’s proportionate, fair and effective and we need residents to please tell us is they agree or not with our proposals.
“Current byelaws mean we must take people found urinating or defecating to court. This is a slow, costly process which can result in those found guilty getting a criminal record.
“These proposals also address the increasing number of complaints we receive about dogs’ behaviour and about those in charge of them not keeping them under proper control. The proposal is for a new, £100 on the spot fine.”
Exemptions will be included for people who are registered blind or partially sighted, and for people in charge of a registered assistance dog.
Residents can comment on the new proposals at www.york.gov.uk/consultations#pspo or, to request a paper copy and a freepost return envelope, please call 01904 551555. Please take part before Friday 7 February 2024.