Why we are consulting
We are responding to repeated reports of issues caused by the behaviour of dogs and their owners in council-owned cemeteries. We are proposing introducing formal rules, enforceable by fines, which will require owners to:
- keep their dogs on a short lead (2 metres or less)
- immediately clean up and remove any dog mess
We have tried to address these issues in our cemeteries in several ways:
- improved signage
- staff engagement and training
- public communications
However, these issues persist, and in some cases, cemetery visitors and staff have faced unacceptable and abusive behaviour, as well as instances of uncontrolled defecation. We therefore feel that more formal enforcement is necessary, through the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
This proposal is a proactive step toward ensuring these spaces remain safe, clean, and respectful for all visitors, council staff, contractors and the public alike. The initiative aligns with our commitment to enhancing community well-being and maintaining public spaces.
Who we are consulting
We welcome responses from residents, cemetery visitors and anyone who is concerned about the environment we provide in these public spaces.
What we are consulting on
We are proposing to introduce a PSPO, governing the behaviour of dogs and dog owners in council-owned cemeteries within Bath and North East Somerset.
Locations
The PSPO would apply in the following locations (Click links for PDF maps showing cemetery boundaries):
- Locksbrook Cemetery, Upper Bristol Road, Bath, BA1 3DQ
- Harptree Cemetery, West Harptree Road, East Harptree, BS40 6BQ
- St. Michael’s Cemetery, St. Michael’s Road, Lower Weston, Bath, BA1 3BJ
- Smallcombe Cemetery, 6 Widcombe Hill, Bath, BA2 6DD
- St. James' Cemetery, Lower Bristol Road, Bath, BA2 3BQ
- Twerton Cemetery, Bellotts Road, Bath, BA2 3RT
Exemptions and limitations
The PSPO would not apply to:
assistance dogs at any site, if it is not practical for owners to follow regulations
our main site in Bath, Haycombe Cemetery, where no dogs except assistance dogs are permitted onsite
Duration
The PSPO would last for an initial period of 3 years. We would consult again before any change or renewal.
Penalties
Once enforced, there would be a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100 for anyone caught breaking the regulations in the PSPO. This can increase to £1000 if the case goes to court.
Read the text of the draft PSPO in full
(If we decide to put the Order in place following this consultation, the final notice will include dates of operation)
How to respond
Please use our online form to give us your feedback about the proposal. The consultation is open from Monday 5 January 2026 to 5pm on Monday 2 February 2026.
Other ways to respond
Next steps
We will update this page with a summary of the feedback from this consultation, and if the project progresses, and a PSPO is put in place.
If the proposal goes ahead, we are expecting to deliver this scheme in Spring 2026.