As a responsible dog owner, you must:
- clean up immediately after your dog in all streets and open spaces
- not allow your dog to enter specified areas
- keep your dog on a lead in specified areas
- put and keep your dog on a lead when told to do so by an authorised officer
Rules for dog owners in public places
A Public Spaces Protection Order governs dog control in Bedford Borough. Failure to comply with its requirements can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and prosecution.
Some locations in Bedford Borough have been made: ‘dog exclusion areas’, ‘'dogs on leads' and 'dogs on leads by direction areas’.
With the exception of the above restrictions, you can allow your dog to roam without a lead in all open spaces in Bedford Borough. You must keep your dog under control at all times – if we believe you cannot do this, we will ask you to put it on a lead.
We might do this:
- where the public, particularly children or vulnerable adults, are at threat or feel threatened
- where you dog poses a risk to the safety of pedestrians, cyclists or motorists
- when your dog causes damage to public property, including trees and plants
- where wildlife is, or could be, threatened
- during emergency situations
Exemptions to the order exist for working assistance dogs.
Report irresponsible dog ownership
You can use the form below to tell us about irresponsible dog ownership including:
- a dog regularly straying into the street or other people’s gardens
- a dog being walked without a lead in an on-lead area or in an exclusion area
- a dog being walked and not under control
- dog fouling not being cleared up where the owner or handler is known or where you were a witness
Your report should take no more than 3 to 4 minutes.
Select "Other Nuisance" as "Type of Nuisance" and provide as much detail as possible.
By submitting the form you agree that you have read and accepted how we process your personal data.
To make your report you need a Council Services account.
If you already have a Council Services account, use the button below to login and make your report.
Alternatively, please then return to this page to make your report.