246 fines issued a year into dog fouling controls
IT HAS been just over a year since a public space protection order (PSPO) was brought in Rhondda Cynon Taf to crack down on dog fouling.
There has been controversy in Cardiff recently over a proposed PSPO which could have seen dogs banned from sports pitches before the council decided to scrap the plan.
It begs the question as to what impact Rhondda Cynon Taf council’s PSPO has had since its introduction in October 2017 relating to dog fouling, where people can and can’t walk their dogs on public land and the use of leads.
The council says these are “reasonable and proportionate” prohibitions and requirements on the use of publicly accessible land whilst enabling responsible dog owners to continue to exercise their dogs without undue restrictions.
A public consultation carried out before introducing the PSPO showed there was overwhelming public support for dog controls across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
The number of fines have slowed down as the first year has progressed but the council hopes this is down to irresponsible dog owners now acting responsibly.
Before the introduction of the PSPO, the council says dog fouling was a significant concern and that despite considerable efforts to promote responsible dog ownership there was still a minority of dog owners who did not clean up after their dogs or keep them under control.
Since the introduction of the PSPO, the council has issued 246 on the spot fines of which 74 were for dog fouling, 159 for being in a restricted area and 13 for dogs being off their leads.
Of these fines, 170 have been paid in full which has brought in £17,000 for the council and two have paid partially which have brought in £90.
A total of 34 have been taken to court with 22 currently awaiting court action and 18 fines have been cancelled.
So which areas have been worst affected? Aberdare the Ynys - 25 Ystrad - 15 Mountain Ash (Gerwnifor/Brynifor) - 12 Talbot Green - 10 Aberaman - 9 Aberdare Park - 9 Hopkinstown (Western Field) - 9 Clydach Vale - 8 Maerdy - 8 Trealaw - 8 A report is due to go before the council’s public service delivery, communities and prosperity.