Posted: Fri 8th Jan 2021
RSPCA renews calls for councils to relax PSPO’s as dog walkers adjust to latest lockdown restrictions
This article is old - Published: Friday, Jan 8th, 2021
The RSPCA has renewed calls for local authorities to consider easing some locally-imposed rules on where dogs can be exercised to help dog walkers comply with lockdown rules and stop the spread of Covid-19.
Many councils across Wales and England have previously introduced Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), which often include strict rules on where dogs cannot be walked.
A PSPO requiring dogs to be off sports pitches and for owners to keep their pets on a lead on pavements and public roads, was renewed by Wrexham Council in September 2020.
COUNCILS are being urged to relax public space protection orders to adjust to lockdown restrictions. The RSPCA has renewed calls for local authorities to consider easing some locally-imposed rules on where dogs can be exercised to help dog walkers comply with lockdown rules and stop the spread of Covid-19. Many Councils across England and Wales have previously introduced Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs), which often include strict rules on where dogs cannot be walked. There have long been fears that this can restrict suitable dog walking spots in some local communities. As England enters another national lockdown, and with Wales already under national Tier 4 restrictions, the RSPCA has renewed its calls for Councils to explore a temporary relaxation of PSPOs related to dog walking to help stop unnecessary travel; enabling dog walkers to exercise within their immediate communities and comply with lockdown measures.
RSPCA animal rescuers in Wales will continue to respond to emergencies and cruelty calls during the upcoming Christmas and New Year lockdown. As Wales enters the new ‘alert level four’ restrictions - the animal welfare charity will continue to deal with emergency calls made to their helpline. RSPCA frontline rescuers - along with staff who work in animal centres/clinics - are classed as critical (key) workers. The RSPCA has already been bracing itself for a busy festive period - as last Christmas Day, across England and Wales, they received more than 950 calls, the highest number since 2013. It also received 63,000 calls throughout December, or 2,000 a day, making it the busiest Christmas period for at least four years.