Dogs on leads public space protection order

We introduced a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in 2023 that requires dogs to be kept on a lead in certain areas across Brighton & Hove.

This order expires on 19 October 2026, and we’re asking for your views on whether it should be renewed for another 3 years (until 19 October 2029) and extended to include more areas.

What is this PSPO about?

The PSPO means that anyone in charge of a dog must keep it on a lead in certain areas in the city.

It’s not about stopping people from exercising their dogs. There are many places in Brighton & Hove where dogs can still be off the lead.

The aim is to encourage responsible dog ownership. It helps the council deal with problems caused by dogs being off the lead in certain areas, especially on roads and pavements where they can be a hazard or cause nuisance.

The current order applies to all roads in Brighton & Hove, including the seafront promenades. At the moment, roads on council-owned farmland and Forestry Commission land are exempt.

The updated rules would keep the current restrictions and remove the exemption for roads on council-owned farmland. This means dogs would also need to be kept on a lead on roads in these areas.

Restricted areas

All roads in Brighton & Hove, including the upper and lower seafront promenades, except for roads on Forestry Commission land.

Failure to comply

Anyone in charge of a dog must keep it on a lead in restricted areas.

Anyone not following this rule may receive a £100 fixed penalty notice.