Dogs could be banned from a park in Sutton under proposed new council rules aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour across the borough.
Sutton Council has drawn up plans which would stop dogs from entering or remaining in Overton Park and Recreation Ground. The proposed ban forms part of a new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which is currently in draft form and would introduce a series of restrictions across the borough.
Under the plans, allowing a dog to enter or remain within Overton Park and Recreation Ground would become a breach of the order.
There would be exemptions for certain assistance dogs, including guide dogs and dogs trained to support deaf or disabled people. People officially training assistance dogs would also be exempt, alongside police dogs and dogs used by other agencies permitted by the council for official purposes.
The proposed rules would also tighten controls on dogs across public spaces throughout Sutton. Anyone in charge of a dog would be required to keep it under “proper control”, as well as removing its faeces.
The council defines “proper control” as keeping a dog on a lead or muzzled where required, or otherwise keeping it at heel or close enough to be restrained if necessary. Dogs not on leads would also be expected to respond immediately to voice commands.
The restrictions are part of much wider proposals aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour in Sutton. The draft order also includes rules covering loud street preaching and busking, nuisance e-scooter riding, barbecues, fishing, parking and the use of sports facilities.
People suspected of breaching the PSPO could be required to give their name and address to an authorised person. They could also be ordered to leave an area and not return for up to 24 hours.
Breaching the order without reasonable excuse would be a criminal offence, with the accompanying document stating a person convicted in the magistrates’ court could face a fine of up to £1,000. A fixed penalty of up to £500 could instead be offered in relevant cases.
The restrictions remain proposals and have not yet come into force. If approved following consultation, the new PSPO is intended to run for three years from 2027 until 2030.
The dog rules are one part of the same draft order that would also restrict loud preaching and busking in Sutton, with officers able to order amplified sound to be turned down or off. Sutton has also been in the spotlight over its buses, after four MPs called for more services on route 213 for schoolchildren left stranded at bus stops.
