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Dogs in parks

Dog fouling, dog-related byelaws and Dog Control Orders (DCOs).

We welcome responsible dog owners and their dogs to our parks and open spaces.

There are designated areas for dogs in many of our medium and large parks.

Dog fouling

If you're a dog owner you’re responsible for cleaning up after your dog.

Places in parks for dogs

We have dog-related byelaws (PDF, 56.4KB) that say where dogs must be kept on leads and where they can and cannot go in parks. 

Dog Control Orders (DCOs)

Dog Control Orders (DCOs) give authorised council officers the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to an owner who does not follow the rules of a DCO.

There are four different types of Dog Control Orders:

  • dogs must be on a lead when asked to by an authorised officer
  • dogs must be kept on a lead at all times
  • dogs are not allowed in a specified area at any time
  • restriction on the number of dogs in a specified area

We are not allowed to introduce a DCO without consultation with the public.

A Dog Control Order (DCO) is in place at One Tree Hill nature reserve. This means dog owners and dog walkers are now limited to 4 dogs at one time

Read about responsible dog ownership.