Public space protection orders have replaced dog control orders.
If you are in charge of a dog, the orders require, at minimum, that you must:
Find out more in our dog ownership guide.
There are also area specific Dog Control PSPO across North Somerset. This means there are areas where dogs are not allowed. This includes areas such as:
There are also other areas where dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
As a dog owner in North Somerset, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with areas where dog restrictions apply. Information can be found on our Area specific orders page.
Please note, dogs are not allowed on the beach, lower apron or in the water at the marine lake in Weston.
As a public right of way, dogs are allowed to use the crossing at the causeway.
For more details, please see our PSPO order for Marine Lake.
It is now illegal to sell, abandon, give away or breed from an XL bully type dog.
XL Bully type dogs must be on a lead and muzzled in public at all times.
From 1 February 2024 it will be illegal to own an XL Bully unless you have a Certificate of Exemption.
You can find out more on the government website.
If you see a dog in a controlled area that is breaching a public space protection order, you can report it to us online.