How to write a PSPO that actually reduces dog fouling

Public Space Protection Orders are a powerful enforcement tool, but they only work alongside the right infrastructure. We share what we have seen work across dozens of council areas.

How to write a PSPO that actually reduces dog fouling

A Public Space Protection Order gives councils the power to require dog owners to pick up after their dogs and to carry a bag. But enforcement alone rarely moves the needle — infrastructure matters just as much.

The evidence for combined approaches

Research from Keep Britain Tidy consistently shows that the combination of:

  • Adequate bag dispensing infrastructure (one station per 400m of path)
  • Clear, visible signage
  • Accessible waste bins within 100m
  • Active enforcement backed by a PSPO

…outperforms enforcement alone by a significant margin.

What your PSPO should cover

A well-drafted PSPO for dog fouling should:

  1. Define the area clearly — maps are essential for enforcement
  2. Require carrying a bag as well as picking up — this enables intervention before fouling occurs
  3. Set a fixed penalty (usually £100, reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days)
  4. Specify how bags must be disposed of — into a litter bin, not left on the ground or hung in trees

Free PSPO guidance pack

We include a model PSPO clause and signage templates in our free Resources section, available to all registered customers. If you are considering a PSPO and want to combine it with a station installation programme, use the Sector Enquiry form to speak to our team.