Starting June 29, dog walkers across the UK could face fines as high as £500 for breaching updated local regulations. The Crime & Policing Act 2026 empowers local authorities and councils to impose tougher penalties for offences related to Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs).
Previously, the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for these breaches was capped at £100. However, under the new legislation, this ceiling rises significantly to £500, granting councils greater authority to address public nuisance issues such as dog fouling and uncontrolled dogs.
John Roberts, Chief Services Officer at Kingdom Local Authority Support, explains, “The Crime & Policing Act 2026 is designed to provide local authorities with unprecedented powers to tackle challenges including dog fouling and public drinking. While the maximum fine increases to £500, it is up to individual councils to decide whether to apply the higher penalty.”
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Under PSPO rules, dog owners may be required to keep their dogs on a lead in designated public spaces, comply with instructions from police officers or council representatives, and prevent dogs from entering specified areas such as farmland or certain park zones. These regulations also affect professional dog walkers, who may face limits on the number of dogs they can walk simultaneously.
Dog owners are urged to always clean up after their pets by carrying poop scoops and disposable bags. Local councils are responsible for informing the public about where PSPOs apply, through public notices and online publications including detailed maps of the restricted areas.
With these changes, the government aims to maintain cleaner, safer public spaces and encourage responsible dog ownership.