CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED

For dog owners

DOG walkers will now be subject to far stricter rules in Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Under the new rules, walkers must carry poo bags at all times, dogs are banned from all schools, play areas and councilowned sports pitches.

It comes after RCT council’s extensive fourweek public consultation earlier this year about how to tackle irresponsible dog owners, and the new rules, called a public spaces protection order, will be in force from October 1.

It’s all part of a council clampdown confirmed by the cabinet on Thursday,

Here’s exactly what that means:

The prohibition of dog fouling in all public places;

Dog walkers must keep their dog on a lead at all times in council-owned/ maintained cemeteries;

Dog walkers must carry bags or other suitable means to dispose of dog poo at all times;

Dog walkers must follow directions given by THE council is today launching its strong new message to dog walkers to Sort **IT Out.

The new campaign aims to tackle the dog fouling problem in Rhondda Cynon Taf, and the local authority is previewing the marketing campaign to support its tough new measures.

It’s in support of the new Public Spaces Protection Order coming into force from October, which will introduce tough new rules like an “authorised officer” when told their dog be put and kept on a lead in a public place for as long as the officer sees necessary; and

Dogs are now banned from all council-owned/ maintained schools, play areas and marked sports pitches.

Speaking on Thursday, Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf council’s cabinet owners having to carry bags and dogs being banned from council-run schools, play areas and pitches.

The campaign is being backed by Collin Smith who, at the age of 15 in 1979, suffered a compound leg fracture playing rugby in the Rhondda.

The promising Wales under-15s player caught an infection from dog faeces on the playing field, causing his leg to be amputated below his knee. member for environment and leisure, said: “Cabinet members today considered the results of the extensive consultation into the problem of dog fouling, which was carried out earlier this year.

“I welcome the decision made by cabinet members to introduce an order, which will come into force later this year.

“We also agreed to recruit additional enforcement officers who will work seven days a week, including early mornings and evenings, to enforce the new measures.

“The new dog fouling measures will help to make the county borough a cleaner place to live and visit. This decision shows cabinet is listening to the concerns raised by residents on issues which are important to them, and we are delivering on our key commitments.”

Among those who are exempt from the order include people who are partially-sighted or blind, and people who have a disability meaning they cannot reasonably be expected to remove dog mess.

The council said it collects more than 110 tonnes of dog mess from bins and streets every year, and provides more than 1,000 specific bins near dog walking routes to make it as easy as possible for dog owners to act responsibly.

Poo bags are also given away for free at more than 100 locations across RCT.