Chichester District Council has opened a public consultation on a proposed Public Space Protection Order for dog control. Responses must be submitted by 5pm on Friday, 5 June 2026.
The consultation follows a Cabinet decision on 14 April 2026 to put the proposed order out for public feedback before any final decision is made.
What the consultation covers
The proposed rules cover several dog control matters in public spaces, including dog fouling, dogs being kept on leads when directed by an authorised officer, and dog exclusion areas in some locations.
The consultation also covers proposals relating to parks, play areas, fenced children’s play areas, and part of Selsey beach during the summer period.
The council is also considering extending some controls to publicly accessible private land where no entry fee is charged. Forestry Commission land is not included in that proposed extension.
When the proposed rules would apply
If approved after the consultation, the proposed Public Space Protection Order would run for three years, from October 2026 to October 2029.
The proposals are not final at this stage. The consultation is being used to gather feedback before the council decides what the next version of the dog control order should include.
How residents can respond
Residents, community groups and businesses can take part through the council’s Let’s Talk: Dogs consultation page.
Paper copies of the questionnaire can also be requested by email through the council.
The deadline for responses is 5pm on Friday, 5 June 2026.
Why it matters locally
The proposals could affect how dogs are managed in public spaces across the Chichester district, including parks, play areas, footpaths, verges and parts of the foreshore.
For dog owners, the consultation is a chance to check which rules may apply in public spaces. For other residents, it is an opportunity to comment on how shared areas should be managed.
Anyone likely to be affected by the proposed rules can review the consultation and submit feedback before the deadline.
