Dog control
Our new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) started on 3 October 2023.
If you have a dog in a public place, you must:
- pick up after your dog straight away
- have something with you to pick up after your dog
- keep dogs out of these places: children's play areas, schools when open, skateparks, tennis courts, multi-use games areas (MUGAs), and bowling greens
- keep your dog on a lead in these places: cemeteries, burial sites, graveyards, memorial gardens, allotments, car parks, sports grounds (when in use), near the café at Daventry Country Park, Northampton Town Centre, Upton Country Park Phase 2 (between Kislingbury and Upton), and near schools when open
- put your dog on a lead if an Authorised Person asks you to
- walk no more than 4 dogs at a time, unless you are a licensed boarder, breeder, or dog day care provider, then you can walk up to 6 dogs
For more information or report a concern please refer to Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) or contact us at [email protected].
Dogs out of control
It is against the law to let a dog be dangerously out of control, whether in public or private. The Police enforce this law.
A dog is considered out of control if it:
- hurts someone
- makes someone worried it might hurt them
Dog attacks on other dogs are not crimes unless the attacked dog is an assistance dog. Assistance dogs help people who are blind, deaf, or disabled.
If your dog or other animals are attacked and hurt, it is a civil issue between dog owners. The Council or Police cannot investigate these complaints.
If a dog is out of control or your assistance dog is attacked, report it online to the Police or call 101. If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Banned dogs
In the UK, it is illegal to own certain types of dogs. This depends on what the dog looks like, not the breed or name.
It is a crime to own or have an XL Bully dog in England and Wales unless you have a Certificate of Exemption.
For more information about banned dogs, visit the Police website.
If you suspect someone is breeding banned dogs, report it to the Police online.
If you see a banned dog loose or behaving dangerously, call 101. For immediate danger, call 999.
Last updated 19 December 2024