Hounslow Council has adopted a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour linked to dogs, with the order set to take effect on 30 September 2025, for a period of three years. The decision, made at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, 8 July 2025, follows a public consultation that revealed significant concerns over dog fouling and safety issues related to dogs.
The PSPO will introduce several prohibitions across the borough, including:
- Designated 'dog exclusion' zones, such as children's playgrounds
- 'Dogs on leads only' areas
- Powers for officers to request dogs be put on leads in 'dogs on leads by direction' areas
- A limit of four dogs being walked by one person
- Dog fouling
- A requirement for owners to carry a 'poop scoop' and/or disposable bags
Councillor Raghwinder Siddhu, Cabinet Member for Public Safety, Regulations, Services and Enforcement, stated that the PSPO aims to reduce antisocial behaviour related to dogs, addressing concerns raised during the public consultation. The consultation highlighted dog fouling as a major disruption and safety concern for residents.
Councillor Salman Shaheen, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Public Spaces, voiced his support for the proposals, emphasising their role in preserving and enhancing the borough's public spaces and parks, as well as promoting responsible dog ownership. I do think it's an important part of preserving, enhancing, protecting our public spaces, our parks, very much part of that,
he said.
The decision to implement the PSPO was backed by data showing that 69% of respondents to the public consultation supported the measure, while only 20% opposed it. The order is intended to support the council's corporate priorities of creating a cleaner, safer, and more liveable Hounslow.
Should the public space protection order be implemented, the financial implications to the Council will be in relation to the signage notifying the public for that order.