Dog owners in Rushcliffe are being reminded to pick up after their pet and carry a bag or have other means to collect their waste, or face a possible £100 fine.
Rushcliffe Borough Council has thanked the vast majority of owners who always responsibly pick up after their pets but is aware that, unfortunately, not all follow the rules.
Action around this continues, focusing on engaging and educating dog owners on their responsibilities, responding to complaints, monitoring hotspot areas, and applying 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.
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Further patrols include locations in Keyworth, a current hotspot following recent residents’ complaints about pavement dog fouling.
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 roundworm Toxocara canis found in dog faeces.
A borough-wide Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), except in Tollerton where local rules are in place, exists for the protection of all residents. The renewal of this is currently being consulted on, and residents can have their say at www.rushcliffe.gov.uk/pspo.
The PSPO also allows for further action to be taken against 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 that 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.
• £100 fines issued to two owners for dog fouling in West Bridgford
“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 any localised issues are identified.
“Please have your say on the PSPO consultation so we can listen and act on how it can further protect residents from the issues irresponsible dog fouling can create.”
