Dog mess fines
DOG walkers could be given spot fines of £100 if they leave mess in Cardiff’s parks under plans being considered by the council.
Cardiff council is considering a public spaces protection order which would prohibit dog fouling in all public places owned or maintained by the authority.
Dogs would also be banned from all enclosed playgrounds, marked sports pitches and schools, and have to be kept on leads in all cemeteries owned or maintained by the council.
The order, which would replace the current by-laws in Cardiff, would also allow authorised officers to tell dog owners to keep their pets on a lead if necessary.
The maximum for a fixed penalty fine for breaching the order would be £100 which, if it is not paid and goes through the courts, could rise to £1,000.
Currently, the fixed penalty notice for dog fouling is £80.
More than 500 complaints about dog fouling were made to Cardiff council between April 2016 and April 2017.
A public consultation on the proposals, which could last up to 12 weeks, would begin if Cardiff council’s cabinet grants approval on Thursday.
A report to the council’s Environmental Scrutiny Committee says: “Dog fouling is unsightly and unpleasant and in turn can lead to serious illness in humans, such as toxocariasis, from direct contact with the faeces on the ground which can also lead to blindness.
“Particular concern is raised in relation to children and sports users using parks and open spaces.
“The majority of dog owners are responsible, clean up after their dogs and keep them under control.
“However, a minority of irresponsible dog owners create significant problems.
“Each year the council receives many complaints in relation to dog fouling and out of control dogs in public places, which is a significant concern.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK? EMAIL ECLETTERS@ WALESONLINE.CO.UK