New Dog Walking Fines in England: Owners Face Up to £500 Starting June 29

Starting June 29, dog owners in England could face on-the-spot fines of up to £500 for breaches related to dog walking under new rules granted by the Crime and Policing Act 2026. This legislation empowers local councils to impose higher penalties for violations of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs), raising the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice from £100 to £500.

John Roberts, chief services officer at Kingdom Local Authority Support, highlighted the significance of these new powers: “The Crime and Policing Act 2026 grants local authorities unprecedented authority to tackle issues such as dog fouling and public drinking.” He emphasized that while the increased fine level is available, it is not mandatory for councils to apply the maximum penalty, allowing discretion based on the situation.

PSPOs serve to prevent anti-social behaviour in public spaces and were initially introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Councils implement PSPOs after consultations with police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, and community representatives. Enforcement may be carried out by council officers, police personnel, or authorised community support officers.

Specifically relating to dog control, the PSPO requires owners to always clean up their dog’s waste and carry equipment to do so. Dogs must be put on a lead when directed by authorised officers if they are causing a nuisance. Dogs are also prohibited from entering designated areas such as marked sports pitches, formal recreational zones including bowling greens and tennis courts, fenced children’s play areas, and all school grounds. Additionally, dogs must be kept on a lead in cemeteries and prevented from accessing certain specified locations within affected counties.

These enhanced enforcement powers aim to improve public spaces and encourage responsible dog ownership across England.