Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Two bags fine rule falls foul of critics
A council crack-down on irresponsible dog owners who allow their pets to foul public places is flawed and unenforceable, say critics.
It follows our exclusive report last week that tougher rules, due to come into force next month, mean any dog walker not carrying at least two bags to clean up after their animals could face a fine of £80.
They are included in Public Space Protection Orders which dictate that dog walkers “must have the appropriate means” to pick up any mess.
Canterbury council says the ‘two bag rule’ is its own interpretation of the order but its enforcement officers will be using a “common sense” approach.
It has already admitted to only issuing one ticket in three years for dog fouling, blaming it on the difficulties of catching offenders “in the act”. But it claims the new rules will make it easier to target miscreants.
But while some have welcomed the new crack- down, many are questioning how it will be enforced.
Writing on our Facebook page Phil Keen said: “What are they going to do – strip search everyone walking a dog ? What if you use a bag and only have one left when they ask for proof? Are they going to fine you then? What a total ill thought out load of rubbish.”
Helen Rose said: “What if you had the required two bags, but had used one or both of them while walking your dog, are now on your way back home and are then faced with an official who then wants to fine you for not having bags?”
Responding to the online story, Nik Mullender said: “As a considerate dog owner, I collect my dog’s faeces all the time. I would be outraged if a council bumble asked me how many poo bags I had. So many flaws in this idea it’s unbelievable.”
The Dogs Trust charity has also branded the idea as a “sledgehammer to crack a nut” and the pet charity says raising awareness rather than issuing fines “is the way to go”.
But others have welcomed the new approach.
Marion Parris wrote: “Good – about time. How nice to not have to dodge the early morning dog poo on the pavements.”
Another said: “If it helps reduce the amount of dog poo on the pavements and in our parks, then I’m all for it.”
City council spokesman Rob Davies said: “The vast majority of dog owners are responsible and already go prepared, and we know many also clear up after other people’s dogs too. For these reasons, our enforcement officers will approach these new powers with discretion and use their common sense.
“What these powers do give us is a greater ability to tackle problem areas, problem owners or blatant persistent offending through targeted campaigns. We are certain the public will support us in anything that has an impact in reducing dog fouling.”