Council ready to fine irresponsible dog owners
by Amber Valley Info on Thursday 13 February 2020Neighbourhood Wardens in Amber Valley have been encouraged by dog owners’ response to new regulations designed to promote more responsible dog ownership, including strict requirements on dog fouling in public spaces.
Since the new regulations were introduced, in October last year, wardens have been busy making owners aware of the new criteria through talking to dog walkers and issuing flyers, especially in local parks. The wardens have reported back that around 99% of people spoken to were carrying bags or a poop scoop.
The Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the control of dogs states that owners are required to remove dog fouling (usually using a bag) and place it in a suitable bin. A new power introduced by the PSPO is the requirement, in public areas, to be able to show, when challenged, that you have suitable means in your possession for cleaning up dog fouling. In practice this means that you would need to be able to show an unused bag to one of our wardens when asked. This power is designed to tackle those dog walkers who have no intention of picking up their dog’s fouling.
From this month wardens will be issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to anyone in charge of a dog who is not carrying a bag or other means of clearing up.
Commented Amber Valley Borough Council’s portfolio holder for environment, Councillor John McCabe "We are very pleased that the vast majority of dog owners our wardens have engaged with in recent months are aware of the new regulations and are acting responsibly. However, we are determined to enforce the new PSPO and will not hesitate to fine any dog owner not observing the requirements."
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