Foulers to be fined as patience runs out

DOG walkers who allow their hounds to foul streets then fail to clear it up are being warned they will be fined.

Irresponsible owners will no longer be let off with a warning after an outcry from fed-up villagers.

Raging residents in Bagworth got so irate about the situation they clamoured for a public forum in which to discuss solutions to the issue.

It led to dog fouling being one of the main topics at the latest Bagworth and Thornton Parish Council meeting.

Here villagers were told by borough enforcement officer Nik Krneta that fouling flouters could expect fines not verbal warnings and he encouraged everyone to report any transgressions witnessed, providing as much detail and description as possible.

While the small team of council enforcement officers cannot be everywhere in the borough, hotspots have been identified and these are regularly monitored.

Councillor Mark Nickerson, executive member for neighbourhood services, said: “Dog fouling is a nuisance for residents in our borough.

“At this time of year with the darker evenings and mornings, irresponsible dog walkers are less inclined to clean up after their dogs as they think they can’t be seen.

“But we are watching and we are catching and fining irresponsible dog owners.

“People need to clean up after their dog and we will fine everyone we catch.

“I urge everyone to help us by reporting all dog fouling to the council.”

The dog dirt question arose due to conversations between villagers, including dog owners themselves, who had noticed an apparent increase in the amount of mess on pavements and community grounds.

The Bagworth News Facebook page became awash with comment and photographs as people recorded their experiences and vented frustration about the continuing problem.

Finally a rallying call went out for locals to attend the January parish council meeting, voice their concerns and try and get something done.

With the attendance of Nik Krneta and assurances of action if information is received it is now down to villagers to play their part in the crackdown.

Posting after the meeting local resident, Geoff Whiteman said: “Lots of anger on here at the state of our village on this issue over the past couple of years and it’s getting worse.

“You need to report any sightings of irresponsible dog owners to the enforcement officer.

“If you don’t know where they live - just report the times they are usually out and in which street along, with a description of the dog (and owner if possible).

“In the first instance please report this to nik.krneta@hinckley-bosworth.gov. uk or telephone the Clean Neighbourhoods Team at HBBC on Hinckley 255977.”

It is against the law to be in a public place with a dog and not to clean up any excrement.

Anyone walking a dog must pick up any fouling and dispose of it correctly, collecting the waste in a bag, then either taking it home to dispose of or putting it in a dedicated dog waste bin or even a general litter bin.

Those who fail to do this may be liable, on conviction, to a fine of up to £1,000.

If it is a first offence the relevant local authority may offer a warning and or hand out a £50 fixed penalty notice, offering an option to avoid prosecution.

If the fine is not paid or if it isn’t the first transgression the likelihood is prosecution.

The council can also issue a penalty if a witness statement is provided by a member of the community.

Flyers will be distributed around Bagworth detailing information on fouling and how to report it.