Rushcliffe dog walkers could end up being fined for being caught without bags to clean up after their pets and banned from enclosed sports and play areas.
Rushcliffe Borough Council are proposing to a Public Space Protection Order for the control of dog-related anti-social behaviour at a meeting this week.
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said:
“We’re aware the vast majority of dog owners take their responsibilities seriously and these new powers are there to tackle the minority who flout the rules including those who routinely don’t carry bags to clear up.
“We are keen to protect residents from any of the issues dog fouling raises and the overwhelming support from stakeholders to last year’s consultations shows we have a strong mandate to debate this further at Full Council on Thursday.
“It will potentially introduce these wider powers but with the emphasis on engaging and educating dog owners and only applying fines where necessary.
“Our message to all dog owners is to always carry bags to ensure you’re ready to do the right thing and always pick up after your pet.”
The proposals are recommended subject to a vote at Rushcliffe Borough Council’s full council meeting on 7 July.
Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) are designed to prevent individuals or groups from committing anti-social behaviour in a public space.
Failure to abide by an order may result in a fixed penalty of £100, with an early repayment reduction to £60. If not paid, it may result in prosecution and a maximum fine £1,000 for most offences.
The council undertook two consultations, and the results from respondents were overwhelmingly positive.
Following the meeting and if voted through, the rules below will come into force at a date to be announced:
Dog Fouling:
The proposed PSPO largely reinforces the previous dog fouling order but importantly covers all land in the borough to which the public have access.
The proposed PSPO creates a new offence requiring a person in charge of a dog on land (described above) to have with them an appropriate means to pick up dog faeces deposited by that dog (subject to certain exemptions).
Dogs to be kept on leads in specified areas:
The proposed PSPO specifies certain areas where dogs must be kept on a lead.
The only area where this is to be mandated is designated and signed areas within Rushcliffe Country Park.
Dog Exclusion Areas:
The proposed PSPO specifies certain areas where dogs are excluded (not permitted). It proposes that this applies to all children’s play areas, multi-use games areas, skate parks and gym equipment zones which are either fenced or enclosed.
Costs will be contained within existing budgets. This will include the requirement for additional signage which is expected to cost in the region of £1,500.
Enforcement will be entirely intelligence-led which means patrols are only likely in known hotspots, this will mostly be undertaken by WISE, the enforcement contractor, which will be undertaken on a cost neutral basis.
Specific obligations:
1. Fouling
If a dog defecates at any time on land to which this Order applies, a person who is in charge of the dog at that time must remove the faeces from the land forthwith unless:
(a) they have a reasonable excuse for failing to do so; or
(b) the owner, occupier or other person or authority having control of the land has
consented (generally or specifically) to their failing to do so.
2. Means to pick up
A person in charge of a dog on land to which this Order applies must have with them an appropriate means to pick up dog faeces deposited by that dog unless:
(a) they have a reasonable excuse for failing to do so; or
(b) the owner, occupier or other person or authority having control of the land has consented (generally or specifically) to their failing to do so.
This obligation is complied with if, after a request from a constable or an Authorised Officer, the person in charge of the dog produces an appropriate means to pick up dog faeces.
3. Dog on lead in specified areas
- A person in charge of a dog on land to which Schedule 1 of this Order applies must ensure their dog(s) is kept on a lead unless:(a) they have a reasonable excuse for failing to do so; or
(b) the owner, occupier or other person or authority having control of the land hasconsented (generally or specifically) to their failing to do so.
- A person in charge of a dog(s) on land to which this Order applies must comply with a direction from a constable or an Authorised Officer to put and keep the dog on a lead, unless:(a) they have a reasonable excuse for failing to do so; or
(b) the owner, occupier or other person or authority having control of the land hasconsented (generally or specifically) to their failing to do so.
- Dog exclusion in specified areasA person in charge of a dog must not take it into or allow it to remain on any land to which Schedule 2 of this Order applies, unless:
(a) they have a reasonable excuse to do so; or
(b) the owner, occupier or other person or authority having control of the land has consented (generally or specifically) to their doing so. - ExemptionsNothing in this Order shall apply to:
- (a) a person who is registered as a blind person on a register compiled under section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948; or
- (b) a person who is deaf and relies upon a dog trained by Hearing Dogs for Deaf People (registered charity 293358) for assistance.
- (c) a person who has as a disability which affects their mobility, manual dexterity, physical coordination, or ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects, in respect of a dog trained by a Prescribed Charity and upon which he relies for assistance.
- (d) dogs that are being used for work in connection with emergency search and rescue, herding or shepherding animals, law enforcement and the work of the armed forces.
Land on the map in Tollerton is exempt because it is owned by Tollerton Parish Council:
