Anti social orders extended in Surrey Heath after dog attacks
The 65 dog attacks in Surrey Heath were a major factor behind 45 controlled zones on legal highs, alcohol, dog walking, and beggars, being extended for three more years.
Surrey Police requested the Public Protection Safety Orders (PPSO) remain in place despite not recording a single formal prosecution.
Instead, it argued, they allowed for “continuous prevention” and served as “a clear indicator of the enforcement for those who behave irresponsibly or cause anti-social behaviour”.
PPSOs fall under two categories; drugs, alcohol and general public nuisance, and animals.
They are designed to limit low level antisocial behaviour in public places, and can only be introduced for a maximum of three years. When this second extension expires they will have been in place for nearly a decade.
The curbs on dogs, Surrey Police said, come on the back of 65 dog attacks in Surrey Heath last year and means people will be required to keep their animals on a lead anywhere in the borough, if ordered.
There are also 30 dog exclusion areas, mainly in and around children’s play spots, and 10 alcohol control zones, predominantly town centres.
Spot fines for not picking of dog poo come under the orders as well.
Addressing the meeting, a Surrey Police officer said the PPSOs were “a piece of kit that allows the council to tackle low-level offending and behaviour that could be considered as antisocial. It doesn’t have to be used. It’s just there to be an option.
“There is a whole raft of legislation that could tackle attacks on dogs or antisocial drinking, drunk and disorderly behaviour.
“It really targets those areas where this kind of behaviour is most likely to happen or represents a significant risk in these areas.
“Dog legislation is a particularly prevalent issue at this time and one that I think it would be important that the council and the police seem to take a position on.
“There have been 65 reports over the last year of dog related incidents involved attacks, dogs on dogs or humans.
“It is an issue and I think it’s an important piece of legislation that should be considered to be in place as we move forward.”
The control orders were approved by Surrey Heath Borough Council’s executive committee on Tuesday, September 19.
It follows a consultation process that generated 12 responses and means people will continue to face potential fines of up to £1,000 for drinking wine or beer in the street, walking their dog off the lead, as well as those taking psychoactive drugs, or begging.
Jayne Boitoult, community safety officer, said: “Historically what we found is that in the centre at weekends, normally we have people who like to participate in some alcohol”
The zones are in place, she added as “We are able to try to stop any, either low level antisocial behaviour, vandalism, or any other antisocial behaviour and that is why it’s there.”