(Title Image: newstalk.com)
As some of you may remember, last year Bridgend Council launched a consultation on proposals to introduce stricter measures against dog fouling in the county.
Following recent confirmation that 3GS will be contracted to enforce on-the-spot fines once all the arrangements are in place, BCBC’s Cabinet is set to approve the legal paperwork against dog fouling tomorrow. This will take the form of a county-wide Public Space Protection Order (pdf – Appendix 6).
While dogs won’t be banned from playing fields and playgrounds, the Cabinet is set to approve a number of on-the-spot fines related to dog fouling and dog behaviour, including:
- Failure to dispose of dog mess on public land.
- Failure to carry bags to dispose of dog mess when taking their dogs onto public land.
- Not putting a dog on a lead when requested to do so by an enforcement officer.
All of these offences will come with a £100 on-the-spot fine, though disabled people who are otherwise unable to pick up dog mess (i.e. from a guide dog) will be exempt.
The public consultation revealed broad support for the measures. 93% agreed with an outright ban on dog fouling, 83% agreed with issuing fines to dog walkers and alike who don’t carry bags with them and 77% agreed with fines for failing to put a dog on a lead when requested to do so.
