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Q&A Series: Responsible Dog Ownership in Poundbury

Updated: 9 hours ago

This is the final Q&A story from our September General Meeting stakeholder panel. We're now gathering questions for our next stakeholder Q&A session at the General Meeting on 27 January—see details at the end of this article.


What coordinated approach in Poundbury can be taken to address responsible dog ownership, including off-lead dogs in public spaces and dog fouling? What role can technology, improved infrastructure, and community self-regulation play in addressing these issues?


A Community That Works for Everyone

If the national average is a guide, then up to 40% of Poundbury residents are dog owners. The vast majority are responsible, evidenced by the mostly clean streets and public areas.

Poundbury creates a dog-friendly atmosphere with its open spaces—especially the Great Field—and pubs and cafés that welcome dogs. The challenge is addressing the irresponsible behaviour of a few without restricting the legitimate enjoyment of responsible owners.


Understanding the Rules

Dogs in open spaces are governed by Dorset Council's Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which requires that dogs be kept under control, dog mess be cleared by owners or dog walkers, and dogs not enter children's play areas.

The current PSPO expires at the end of 2026, triggering consultation with Dorchester Town Council and providing an opportunity for community input on future regulations. Currently, Great Field regulations are fairly loose, though tighter controls may not be practically enforceable even if introduced.


Control of Dogs: Using Good Judgment

Whether to keep your dog on a lead in certain areas at busy times is a judgment call. If there are babies, toddlers, or small children about, it's better to keep your dog on a lead—even friendly dogs wanting to play can be intimidating to young children. Dogs should also be kept clear of picnickers and footballers using the Great Field football area.


Practical Solutions Working Now

Infrastructure: Waste bins throughout Poundbury and dog waste bag dispensers in key locations (the latter recently installed by the Community Association) help reduce fouling. Dorchester Town Council empties waste bins three times weekly. Bins are located on the Great Field, Middle Farm Way, Peverell Avenue, Pavilion Green, and near play areas.

However, ultimately owners are responsible for ensuring waste is collected and properly disposed of, regardless of the provisions made.

Squares: Use of gated squares is kept under review. There may be specific areas with particular requirements to protect spaces for children, where dogs should be kept on leads.

Community Self-Regulation: The most effective approach involves the dog-owning community setting standards through positive peer influence and informal education. Many issues arise from lack of awareness rather than deliberate irresponsibility—gentle reminders from fellow dog owners often work better than enforcement.


Report Problems Appropriately


Making It Work

Let's work together to maintain Poundbury as a dog-friendly community where responsible ownership is the norm, supported by appropriate infrastructure, clear communication, and community-wide commitment to shared spaces that work for everyone—dogs and people alike.


Questions for the January 27 General Meeting

We're now gathering questions for the stakeholder Q&A panel at our General Meeting on Tuesday, 27 January, 6-8pm at Damers Hall. This time, the panel's invited representatives are from MANCO, the Duchy of Cornwall, Dorset Council, Dorchester Town Council, the Police, Talk About Trust, and local business.

Note that Places for People will also attend to answer questions about the proposed Crown Gate development.


Please send your questions to secretary@lovepoundbury.org by 16 January. Questions will be consolidated as appropriate and shared with the panel in advance to allow them to prepare informative responses. These responses will then form the basis of further Q&A stories on the website and FAQs.


This answer is now available in our FAQ section for future reference.


Thank you to Richard Biggs (Dorset Council), Jason Bowerman (Duchy of Cornwall), William Gibbons (Dorchester Town Council) and Ryan Holmes (MANCOs) for fact-checking this article.

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