Dog owners in Rushcliffe are being reminded to pick up after their pooch and carry a
bag or have other means to collect their waste or face a possible £100 fine.
Rushcliffe Borough Council(RBC) have thanked the vast majority of owners who
always responsibly pick up after their pet but aware unfortunately not all follow the
rules.
Action around it continues on engaging and educating dog owners on their
responsibilities, responding to complaints, monitoring hotspot areas and applying the
fixed penalties where necessary.
There are also patrols to ensure dogs are kept on a lead in the current ‘dogs on lead’
specified areas such as at Rushcliffe Country Park and always in line with local
signage at each site.
Dog fouling on public footpaths and playing fields can cause many problems and in
the worst cases can lead to blindness due to an infection called toxocariasis caused
by the round worm Toxocara Canis found in dog faeces.
A Borough-wide Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), exists for all
residents’ protection.
The renewal of this was confirmed at the Council’s Cabinet meeting on 13 May.
This will be reviewed across its three-year period starting in July 2025 and new
measures include a maximum of six dogs can be walked at any one time and four in
some locations including Gresham Sports Park, West Park and Alford Road in West
Bridgford.
The PSPO also allows for further action to be taken on those who do not observe
dog exclusion zones which apply to all children’s play areas, multi-use games areas,skate parks and gym equipment zones which are either fenced or enclosed across
the Borough.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety
Cllr Rob Inglis said: “Thank you to the vast majority of dog owners who take their
responsibilities seriously and to the minority who flout the rules, remember we
monitor and apply fines, including for those who don’t carry bags.
“We are very keen to continue to protect residents from dog fouling, it’s unsightly
and a health risk and we will always take action to minimise problems where we can,
especially when there are any localised issues identified.
“It was heartening to see over 90 per cent of those who responded to the PSPO
consultation backed its renewal.
“It will be reviewed during its three years and we will continue to listen and work with
all those who use our parks and open spaces, dog owners and pet walking
businesses at the practicalities and feedback of the recent changes.”
