Dog owners could be fined £100 if they do not clear up after their pet or carry a poo bag under a shake-up of existing rules – but questions have been raised over the enforcement.
South Holland District Council is looking to replace the existing bylaws with a district wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in a bid to clamp down on anti-social dog ownership after receiving a raft of complaints about people not picking up after their pets.
A consultation has now been launched on whether to create a new PSPO – which will also bring in additional requirements of making it an ‘offence’ not to carry an ‘appropriate means’ to pick up poo along with preventing dogs from going into children’s play areas.
Spalding already has a PSPO in the town centre which aims to tackle the problem of street drinking by making it an offence if a drinker does not comply with an officer’s request to stop. This new order would be run in addition to that.
Fixed penalty notices of £100 could be dished out to owners who do not comply with the proposed order.
But Donington councillor Jane King has raised concerns about how this new rule would be enforced across the whole district along with highlighting problems in her ward.
Coun King, who sits on the district council, said: “It should be an offence, but how can you enforce it?
“I go round the park cleaning up after other dog users, after I've cleaned up after my own dogs, and the problem is getting worse.
“But how do you go about enforcing it?
“How can you see everything that's going on?
“Our dog warden is lovely and does her absolute best, but she has a humongous patch to cover.”
Helen Vaitkevicieus, of Lincs Dog Training in Pinchbeck, said that she would support the PSPO but says there is already a law in place which carries a £100 fine for not picking up.
She said: “I believe that everyone should pick up even on arable land or wherever they take their dog.
“I know there is lots and lots if fouling everywhere but a good owner always picks up after their dog and disposes of it in a proper manner.
“When we have our group dog walks, we always pick up but we see lots of poo lying around and it is awful.”
The consultation document asks if people agree that it should be an ‘offence’ not to pick up after dogs or carry poo bags. There are no details of what the penalties would be.
Coun Antony Casson, the district’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, said: “I would like to thank all responsible dog owners.
“The proposed Public Spaces Protection Order aims to ensure that all public spaces are safe for residents and visitors of our wonderful district.
“Before submitting your comments via the survey, please read through the Draft Public Spaces Protection Order, summary document and FAQs to understand the new Order fully.”
Last year, the council brought in contractors Kingdom in a bid to tackle issues with fly-tipping and littering in the area. Questions have been raised over whether these controversial contractor could be enforcing these rules.
The scheme has courted controversy with community figureheads arguing Kingdom have prioritised quick-cash minor offences such as littering instead of cracking down on crimes such as fly-tipping.
The consultation will run between August 27 and October 8. People wishing to take part can visit the online survey – visit www.sholland.gov.uk/pspodogcontrol – or request a paper copy from the council offices in Priory Road.
A report on the consultation will be presented to the council.
There will be paper copies of the survey at reception in Priory Road offices in Spalding or a request can be made for posting out by calling 01775 761161, or email consultations@sholland.gov.uk
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