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Dog Control and Dog Mess Public Space Protection Order (PSPO)

We're taking action against irresponsible dog owners in Camden.  

Under our Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), the police and authorised Council officers can give a £100 fine, or £1,000 if prosecuted, to irresponsible dog owners who do not: 

  • clean up after their dog 
  • control their dog 

Find the full Dog Control and Dog Mess PSPO (PDF, 388KB).

Where the PSPO applies 

The PSPO applies to all public land such as streets, housing estates, and parks and green spaces across the borough. 

It does not apply in parks not managed by us, such as Hampstead Heath, Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill. 

Where to dispose of dog faeces 

Dog poo should be picked up and put into a disposable bag. The bag should be put in any general waste bin on the street or in parks. You must take the dog poo with you and dispose of it as soon as possible in a designated bin. If you cannot find a bin, you must take the dog waste home with you. 

Dogs on a lead 

Where dogs need to be on a lead 

Dogs need to be on a lead in: 

  • most public spaces 
  • council-owned land such as public roads 
  • pavements 
  • car parks 
  • estate roads 
  • communal areas on estates 
  • Hampstead Cemetery 

Dogs must be put on a lead if an authorised officer asks you to do so. Dogs do not have to be on a lead in parks and green spaces (except for gated children’s playgrounds and gated sports areas) as long as they are still under the control of the owner. 

Dog exclusion areas 

Dogs are excluded from:  

  • designated Local Nature Reserves (area as defined in Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949), including Adelaide Local Nature Reserve, Westbere Copse Nature Reserve, Belsize Wood Nature Reserve and Carnley Street Natural Park 
  • play areas and defined sports areas (such as playgrounds, multi-use games areas, outdoor gyms, courts and pitches) 
  • long-standing dog-free areas, including in Camden Square (north), Primrose Gardens (north) and Fortune Green 

Exercising your dog off lead 

Dogs can be exercised freely in parks and green spaces (except for gated children’s playgrounds and gated sports areas) as long as they are still under the control of the owner. 

Exemptions to the PSPO 

The PSPO does not apply to anyone who is:  

  • registered as a blind person in a register compiled under Section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948 
  • deaf in respect of a dog trained by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People (registered charity number 293358) and upon which they rely for assistance 
  • has a disability which effects their mobility, manual dexterity, physical coordination or ability to lift, carry or move everyday objects, in respect of a dog trained by a prescribed charity and upon which they relies for assistance

Prescribed charities include:  

How to report dog issues 

If you see dog mess on our streets, report it using the Love Clean Streets app. 

Report dog-related anti-social behaviour, which makes you feel unsafe. 

Why we need a Responsible Dog Ownership PSPO 

Most dog owners in Camden are responsible, and their pets have no negative impact on our communities.  

However, there are community concerns around anti-social behaviour from some irresponsible dog owners. These include regular complaints around dog fouling, and fear and intimidation when dogs are not controlled or are misused by their owners.  

The PSPO allows us to take action against these dog owners and limit the negative impact of their irresponsible dog ownership.