RESOLVED that it be recommended to Council:

1.         That the making of the following new dog control Public Spaces Protection Order for Merton's public spaces be approved:

i)     The prohibition of dog fouling by ensuring that dog owners and walkers clear up after their dogs.

ii)    The establishment of dog exclusion areas, predominantly children’s playgrounds and enclosed play and sports facilities, such as tennis courts, multi-use games areas and bowling greens.

iii)   Dogs to be put on a lead in public places when directed to do so by an authorised officer of the council, a police officer or a community support officer. (This proposal would apply within Morden Hall Park and on Mitcham Common, but not Wimbledon Common which has its own byelaws).

iv)   The maximum number of dogs that can be walked by one person in all public open spaces (including Morden Hall Park and Mitcham Common, but excluding Wimbledon Common) at any one time is four.

2.         That the amount of the fixed penalty payable under a Fixed Penalty Notice issued in respect of breaches of the Order be £80, payable within 14 days and with no discount for early payment be agreed.

3.         That the Director of Environment & Regeneration be delegated authority in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community & Culture to finalise and make the Public Space Protection Order, to come into force on 5 March 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The Cabinet Member for Community and Culture presented the report which set out a recommendation to Council on 7 February 2018 to approve the making of a new dog control Public Space Protection Order, following a consultation exercise undertaken in response to a rise in dog attacks in the Borough.  He advised that the consultation exercise had been well received and the proposals had received support from members of the public, including dog owners.  The aim of the Order was to reduce numbers of dog attacks and ensure the safety of all those using the Borough’s parks and open spaces, and therefore effective enforcement was key to its success.  It was noted for clarification that the proposal included Morden Hall Park and Mitcham Common, not limited to those two areas.  It was also noted that the Order would not cover Wimbledon Common due to it having its own by-laws.

RESOLVED that it be recommended to Council:

1.         That the making of the following new dog control Public Spaces Protection Order for Merton's public spaces be approved:

i)     The prohibition of dog fouling by ensuring that dog owners and walkers clear up after their dogs.

ii)    The establishment of dog exclusion areas, predominantly children’s playgrounds and enclosed play and sports facilities, such as tennis courts, multi-use games areas and bowling greens.

iii)   Dogs to be put on a lead in public places when directed to do so by an authorised officer of the council, a police officer or a community support officer. (This proposal would apply within Morden Hall Park and on Mitcham Common, but not Wimbledon Common which has its own byelaws).

iv)   The maximum number of dogs that can be walked by one person in all public open spaces (including Morden Hall Park and Mitcham Common, but excluding Wimbledon Common) at any one time is four.

2.         That the amount of the fixed penalty payable under a Fixed Penalty Notice issued in respect of breaches of the Order be £80, payable within 14 days and with no discount for early payment be agreed.

3.         That the Director of Environment & Regeneration be delegated authority in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Community & Culture to finalise and make the Public Space Protection Order, to come into force on 5 March 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter.