Dog owners in Cherwell are being warned they might be breaking the law without realising it. Enforcement officers make regular patrols across the district, particularly in hotspots, in a bid to stop dog fouling. Due to an increase in patrols during peak dog-walking hours, the number of people being caught has risen.
In the last financial year, Cherwell District Council handed out six fixed penalty notices after catching culprits. But since April, the number of fines has already averaged one a month.
One of the biggest problems is people walking their dogs off the lead. Often they have no idea if it poops as their attention is on another dog, or children they have in-tow.
Portfolio holder for environment, recreation and health, Councillor George Reynolds, said: “Ignorance might be bliss but it is no defence. “Just because you didn’t know your dog had made a mess, it doesn’t mean it’s not your responsibility.
“And when you are approached by a warden, it’s no good offering to go and clean it up, just because you’ve been caught. “Dog excrement can spread diseases, some of which are life-threatening – especially for children – so I would urge all owners to be responsible, pick it up and bin it.”
Fixed penalties in Cherwell currently stand at £50. Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, offenders who ignore this could saddle themselves with a fine of up to £1,000.
In surveys carried out by Cherwell, dog fouling regularly comes back as by far one of the top priorities for residents. And as the council currently gives out 700,000 dog poop bags to the public each year, free of charge, there really is no excuse.
Dickie Felton from the Keep Britain Tidy campaign said: “We are delighted that Cherwell is taking the issue of dog fouling seriously and encouraging responsible dog ownership.
“As well as being totally disgusting, dog fouling costs the taxpayer £22m a year in England. Dog owners need to clean up after their pets or face fines.”
For further information please contact: Craig Forsyth
Tel: 01295 221639 Email: craig.forsyth@cherwell-dc.gov.uk