Animal welfare
Information on animal welfare, animal licencing and dogs including lost, found and strays
What to do if you find a stray animal, have lost an animal, or suspect that an animal is being poorly treated
If you keep pets, or are thinking of getting a pet, you will have a legal responsibility under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to meet their welfare needs which include:
- a suitable environment – by making sure that they have the right type of environment including shelter and somewhere comfortable to rest;
- a suitable diet – by providing enough fresh water and the right type and amount of food to keep them fit;
- to exhibit normal behavior patterns – by making sure they have enough space and proper facilities;
- to be housed with or apart from other animals – by making sure they have the company of others of their own kind if appropriate; and
- to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease – by making sure that their conditions and treatment avoid mental suffering, injury and disease and ensuring they get appropriate veterinary treatment when required
The penalty for failing to care adequately for your pet could be a fine or even a prison sentence. Find out about caring for pets and learn more about the Animal Welfare Act 2006 from the RSPCA or download further information on animal welfare responsibilities.
You can report animal cruelty to the RSPCA on their emergency number 0300 123 4999.
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced in the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to allow local authorities some flexibility in protecting public spaces from persistent anti-social or unwelcome behaviour.
Following extensive consultation, the Borough Council has introduced a borough wide PSPO to protect public spaces from dog fouling, not being picked up and disposed of in either the dual-purpose council bins, or dog fouling bins provided, or taken home and disposed of in the black waste receptacle collected by the Council.
The PSPO we have introduced takes into account, as far as possible, the feedback we received from residents during consultation periods from March to May this year.
The PSPO outlined below, will be introduced from 17 October for a period of three years.
What this means is that if you’re a dog owner or dog walker you need to know that the penalty for dog fouling and not picking it up and disposing of the waste in the correct receptacle may result in a fixed penalty notice (FPN) of £100. You can also be fined if you do not carry enough bags to pick up after your dog when you’re out for a walk and making sure you use them.
Anyone who lives in, or regularly works in or visits the area can appeal a PSPO. The appeal must be made within 6 weeks of the order being made to the High Court.
Read more about this in the below documents:-