Guildford residents and local organisations are being encouraged to have their say on proposed new dog control measures aimed at keeping the borough’s parks, green spaces and public areas clean, safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Guildford Borough Council has launched a public consultation on a proposed Dog Control Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), inviting the community to share their views on how best to balance responsible dog ownership with the needs of other people using shared public spaces.
The proposed Order would replace and expand the Council's current Dog Fouling PSPO, introducing a wider range of measures to encourage responsible dog ownership and help address issues that affect the quality of life of residents and visitors across the borough.
The consultation runs until 11.59pm on Tuesday 1 December 2026.
The proposed PSPO would apply across the whole of Guildford borough and would require anyone in control of a dog to:
remove dog faeces immediately after a dog has fouled in a public space
carry suitable means to remove dog faeces
keep dogs out of designated Dog Exclusion Areas
keep dogs on a lead in designated Dogs on Leads Areas
comply with a reasonable request from an authorised officer to place and keep a dog on a lead.
The Council is also seeking views on a proposal to make it an offence for an individual to walk, exercise or be in charge of more than four dogs at any one time. Licensed animal businesses, such as professional dog walkers, kennels and dog day care providers, would be permitted to walk up to six dogs under the proposed Order.
The proposed Dogs on Leads Areas include Guildford Castle Grounds, Stoke Park Gardens, the borough’s two cemeteries, children's play areas and outdoor gyms. Proposed Dog Exclusion Areas include play areas, cricket squares, skate parks, Multi Use Games Areas, all-weather sports courts, and sports pitches during organised matches and training sessions.
Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith, Lead Councillor for Regulatory Services said:
"While most dog owners act considerately when walking their dogs, we know that issues such as dog fouling and dogs not being under proper control can have a negative impact on others.
"These proposals are intended to strike a fair balance between supporting responsible dog ownership and helping to keep our public spaces safe, clean and enjoyable for everyone. Before making any decisions, we want to hear a wide range of views from dog owners and non-dog owners, community groups and local businesses."
The proposed Order is intended to help keep public spaces clean, promote responsible dog ownership, protect people, wildlife and other animals, and support proportionate enforcement where needed. The primary approach of the Council will continue to be education, with enforcement focused on those who behave irresponsibly or fail to control their dogs appropriately.
People can give their feedback via the online consultation.
The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Tuesday 1 December 2026.
