Rushcliffe dog walkers could end up being fined for being caught without bags to clean up after their pets.
Rushcliffe Borough Council could impose a Public Space Protection Order for the control of dog-related anti-social behaviour.
The Council’s Cabinet will meet this evening (March 8) to discuss the proposals, which will then need approval by Full Council.
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 were overwhelmingly positive.
Ahead of a Cabinet agenda item at its meeting this evening (March 8) the Council’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety Cllr Rob Inglis said residents and dog owners alike are backing calls for the possible action.
He said: “Cabinet will discuss this recommendation following the consultations that saw 99% of respondents agree that dog walkers should always have a means to pick up dog faeces with them.
“The order outlines a standard for everyone to follow with the aim of increasing people’s safety and wellbeing. It could target the very small number of pet owners across Rushcliffe who disregard the rules, as the majority we know take their responsibilities seriously. It could provide a tool to address complaints and intelligence to specific locations.
“The suggestion for possible extra action originally came from the Council’s Communities Scrutiny Group and it’s testament to their work we’re now in a position to discuss the next stage of this order.”
Following the consultations, it is proposed that the PSPO includes the following controls:
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.
