Dogwalkers in Bath Face Up to £1,000 Fine for Letting Pets Off Lead in Cemeteries

Dog owners in Bath could soon be fined up to £1,000 for allowing their pets off the lead within local cemeteries. This comes as Bath and North East Somerset Council considers introducing a public space protection order (PSPO) to address ongoing issues with dog fouling on graves and safety risks to visitors and staff.

The proposed PSPO would cover six cemeteries overseen by the council, including Locksbrook, St. Michael’s, Smallcombe, St. James, Twerton, and Harptree cemeteries. It would require dog owners to keep their pets on a lead no longer than two metres and to clean up after them promptly.

Violations of the order could result in a £100 fixed penalty notice, which may escalate to a £1,000 fine if the matter proceeds to court. The council describes this action as a “last resort” after repeated attempts to raise awareness about responsible dog ownership in these sensitive areas.

Manda Rigby, council cabinet member for communications and community, expressed frustration with the situation. “Despite ongoing efforts, some dog owners continue to let their pets roam freely in cemetery grounds, creating problems for visitors. The issue lies with the owners, not the dogs," Rigby said.

She also highlighted concerns about aggressive behavior and safety. “Visitors and staff have faced aggression from unleashed dogs, and there are serious safety risks when dogs are off lead near staff operating heavy machinery.”

The council is encouraging feedback from residents, cemetery visitors, and anyone invested in preserving the dignity and environment of cemetery spaces. The consultation period for the proposed PSPO remains open until February 2.

Public space protection orders, introduced in 2014, empower councils to tackle anti-social behaviour in defined areas. A recent example includes North Somerset Council’s ban on walking more than six dogs at once.