Decision Maker: Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 15, 2025

Purpose: We seek approval to introduce a general code of conduct for dogs in parks and SCC open spaces and to introduce a commercial dog walking license (with charge), for businesses who are using our spaces for their commercial activity.

Content: 10.1 The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Neighbourhoods which sought the committee's approval for a refreshed approach to managing the growing number of dogs in SCC’s Parks and Countryside spaces, aimed at benefiting the public, dog owners, businesses and their pets, while ensuring the protection of those areas.     10.2 RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Communities, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee:- (a)  Notes the contents of the report; (b)  Approves the introduction of a Code of Conduct to promote responsible dog ownership; (c)  Approves a voluntary registration scheme for commercial dog walkers to encourage best practice; (d)  Approves the continued development of inclusive and effective communications materials to promote the Code of Conduct, ready for launch next year; and (e)  Approve the establishment of a working group with land managers and commercial dog walkers to monitor and review the Code of Conduct, registration scheme, and communications plan.         10.3 Reasons for Decision     10.3.1 Better management of dogs in Sheffield's parks and woodlands is essential to safeguard the city’s biodiversity and preserve the health of its natural habitats, while ensuring green spaces remain welcoming and safe for all residents     10.3.2 By balancing the needs of dog owners with the protection of these valuable areas, Sheffield can promote responsible dog ownership, including waste disposal and preventing overuse through effective licensing. This approach will help maintain these vital spaces for future generations, supporting Sheffield's nature emergency efforts to protect environment, while providing safe, enjoyable spaces for all park[1]goers.         10.4 Alternatives Considered and Rejected     10.4.1 Alternative Option 1: Do nothing In 2021, Sheffield declared a nature emergency. The growing impact of dogs on our green spaces is significant and increasing. The Parks and Countryside service oversees over 800 green spaces across 4,000 hectares, ranging from ancient woodlands to public parks, many of which hold considerable natural and ecological value. Failing to address the challenge posed by the rising number of dogs would be an unsuitable approach for a service with the potential to make a meaningful difference.     10.4.2 Alternative Option 2: Enforcement Measures to deal with persistent nuisance behaviour If dog-walking related activities amount to unreasonable conduct which has a detrimental effect, of a persistent or continuing nature, on the quality of life of people in the locality then the Council could issue Community Protection Notices (CPNs) under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act (ASBCA) 2014 rather than adopting a voluntary approach. This is not currently being proposed because there is not a sufficient level of budget or staffing resource to monitor activity across a large and diverse estate like Sheffield’s parks and countryside and there is currently no evidence that such an approach would be beneficial.     10.4.3 Alternative Option 3 Make a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) under ASBCPA. When applied to dog control, PSPOs can enforce rules such as keeping dogs on leads, limiting the number of dogs walked at once, excluding dogs from specific areas, or requiring commercial dog walkers to be licensed by the Council. Without a PSPO it is not legally possible to enforce these measures other than by CPNs to address the conduct of individuals as described above   While PSPOs can be effective in managing specific problems, they also require significant resources to implement and enforce. This includes the need for trained enforcement officers, legal support, signage, and ongoing monitoring.   We are currently monitoring how other councils, such as North East Derbyshire and Derbyshire Dales, have implemented similar measures. Their experience will help inform our future approach. A PSPO remains an option to be considered if the need arises and resources allow. This would be the subject of further decision making by Community, Parks and Leisure Policy Committee and all the factors described above would be fully considered in any such decision.