New dog restrictions could be explored at Chichester Harbour to protect wildlife
Officers at Chichester District Council will soon be asked to explore ways to protect birds and wildlife in and around the harbour from dogs.
The issue was discussed during an environment panel meeting on Monday (September 21) as part of a proposal to extend a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) covering dog control.
The order requires dog owners to control their pets when out and about, keep them on leads, clean up after them, and keep them out of areas from which they are banned.
If approved by the cabinet in October, it will be extended for three years – the fourth such extension for this order.
Certain restrictions are already in place in the harbour but, as part of a public consultation earlier this year, people were asked if they felt that more were needed.
A report to the panel acknowledged that more restrictions were ‘likely to be divisive’ but pointed out that those who took part in the consultation broadly supported the idea.
So, while no significant additional restrictions will be proposed as part of the PSPO renewal, the panel did recommend that officers explore further bird protection restrictions and report back within 18 months.
The consultation also covered continuing to ban dogs from Priory Park and Bishops Palace Gardens, and from part of the foreshore and beach at Selsey between May and September.
While opinion on these matters was divided, there was ‘overwhelming support’ from most of the 1,200 responders for extending the PSPO for a further three years.
Once a PSPO is in place, anyone caught breaking the rules can be issued a Fixed Penalty Notice of £150 (£100 if paid with 14 days). If they fail to pay, they can be taken to court and fined £1,000.
The draft PSPO, along with the recommendations from the panel, will be put to the cabinet for final approval.