Council wardens will now be able to approach and question landlords about whether they have the ‘means to collect’ and can fine them £100 if they don’t. Those who fail to settle the fine could be taken to court and ordered to pay £1,000 if convicted. The measure, introduced by Rushcliffe Borough Council earlier this week, follows similar rules introduced by councils in Somerset, Devon, Lancashire and Derbyshire. Part of new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) first introduced in 2014, the rules have sparked controversy, with groups arguing they could end up punishing responsible landlords. Dr Ed Hayes, head of public relations at The Kennel Club, said: “An important aspect of being a responsible dog owner is cleaning up any mess left by their dog and carrying a supply of litter bags. “However, while we support proactive efforts by local authorities to encourage owners to collect their dogs, we are concerned that these measures, proposed by Rushcliffe Borough Council, could unfairly penalize conscientious owners, for example if they have already used the needed bags or given a spare to someone else, as encouraged by the Green Dog Walker programs. “Local authorities may wish to consider alternative measures, such as introducing a clause providing an exemption for those who have run out of bags but are able to prove that they owned and used them during their ride. However, it is important that any plans are effectively communicated to local residents to ensure they take an over-supply of dog waste bags with them.’
“Punishing the masses for the actions of the few”
A Dogs Trust spokesman said: “Everyone wants to enjoy public spaces without dogs. However, we do not believe that punishing the masses for the actions of a few is the best approach. “Encouraging dog owners to pick up after their dog is something Dogs Trust continues to campaign for and we welcome any initiative introduced by a local authority to discourage dog fouling. “However, we believe that educating and encouraging responsible dog ownership is much more effective than issuing fines, especially if dog owners are confused and unaware of the PSPO.”
Offer to “engage and train” dog owners
Cllr Rob Inglis, Rushcliffe Borough Council’s portfolio holder for environment and safety, said: “We know that the vast majority of dog owners take their responsibilities seriously and these new powers are there to deal with the minority who breach them rules, including what you usually don’t carry bags to clarify. “We are keen to protect residents from any of the issues raised by dog fouling and the overwhelming support from stakeholders in last year’s consultation shows we have a strong mandate to further educate and take action. “The emphasis will be on engaging and educating dog owners and imposing fines only where appropriate. “Our message to all dog owners is to always carry bags to ensure you are prepared to do the right thing and always collect your pet.”
