All dog owners should be aware of the laws relating to dog ownership. There are many different laws relating to dogs covering everything from owning an illegal breed, keeping dogs under proper control and fouling.
Mansfield has three dog control orders in effect which are enforced jointly by the Dog Control Officer, Community Safety Officers and Town Centre Wardens.
The orders apply to all public areas within the district (unless otherwise stated) and cover the following offences:
- Dog fouling - Failing to remove dog faeces is an offence. See our Dog fouling page for details.
- Permitting a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded - Dogs are not allowed in children's play areas and sports facilities which are enclosed by a boundary fence or similar.
- Not putting and keeping a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer - If you are instructed to put your dog on its lead by the Dog Control Officer, a Community Safety Officer or a Town Centre Warden, then you are legally required to do so.
Failure to comply with any of the Dog Control Orders can lead to a fixed penalty notice of £100 or fine of up to £1,000 plus costs.
Public Space Protection Order
Under the Public Space Protection Order - Mansfield District Council 2016, it is an offence if:
- an authorised council officer gives direction to the person in charge of a dog to put a dog on a lead and they fail to comply
- a dog defecates and the person in charge of the dog fails to remove the faeces
- If you commit an offence you may receive a fixed penalty notice which is subject to a fine of £100. More details can be found on our Public Space Protection Order page.
Dangerous dogs
Dangerous dogs are dealt with by the police. All reports of incidents involving dangerous dogs should be reported to the police immediately by calling 101.