Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)

What are Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)?

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) are designed to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a specific public space or area, that has a negative effect on the local community's quality of life.

The public spaces protection orders regarding dogs have been reinstated and are effective from 30 January 2025.

They cover a range of dog control orders including

  • requiring owners to pick up after their dog in public areas, such as parks and open spaces
  • excluding dogs from selected beaches between 1 May and 30 September (the majority of Island beaches welcome dogs all year round)
  • requiring dogs to be on a lead in Island cemeteries
  • restricting dogs from fenced children's play areas

For more information on the consumption of alcohol in a public place, visit Licensing Services.

Where must dogs be kept on leads?

The order relating to Dogs on leads (PDF, 110KB) includes each and every stretch of road, including adjacent pavement and verges. In addition there are several areas identified in the order as places dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.

Download maps of where you need to keep your dog on a lead

Where is my dog not allowed?

The order relating to Dog Exclusion (PDF, 104KB) are in place all year round for fenced play areas and have a set time period for beaches.

Download maps of dog exclusion areas 

When can my dog go on the beach?

Dogs are allowed on all Island beaches during the winter months. However, to ensure everyone is able to enjoy our coastline, there are restrictions in place (dog exclusion zones) between 1 May and 30 September.

Download maps of dog exclusion zones on beaches

If you would like to find a dog friendly beach accessible all year round visit dog friendly

For information on horses on beaches follow the beach access guidance

Dog fouling and enforcement

The order relating to dog fouling (PDF, 91.8 KB) includes all highways and land within our administrative area.

If any of the conditions of the PSPO are breached, a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 can be issued in accordance with our Community Services Enforcement Policy (PDF, 337KB)

Failure to pay may lead to prosecution and being liable, on summary conviction, to a fine (currently £1,000).

Nothing in these PSPO's applies to a person who

  • is registered as a blind person in a register compiled under Section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948
  • has a disability which affects their mobility, manual dexterity, physical coordination or ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects in respect of a dog trained by a prescribed charity and upon which they rely for assistance

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