Rules on dog fouling in public areas are tightened

TEWKESBURY Borough Council is tightening its rules on dog control – and reminding owners to always clean up after their pets.

The council has implemented a new Public Space Protection Order to address the problem of dog fouling in public areas public areas within the borough, aiming to ensure that everyone in charge of a dog acts responsibly by cleaning up its waste.

The PSPO, which will remain in place for three years, replaces the previous order for dog control and includes additional offences.

As in the earlier order, it is an offence for dog walkers to not clean up after their dog in any public place, and to fail to have with them a means of picking up dog waste.

In addition, the new PSPO prohibits dog walkers from letting their dog into any children’s playpark designated as a dog-free area.

It also makes it an offence to refuse to provide personal details if requested by a council officer, or to give false details.

To enforce the order, officers from the council’s environmental health team will patrol areas that have been identified as particularly affected by dog fouling, and anyone failing to comply with its terms could be fined up to £1000.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any breaches of the PSPO via the council’s website or by emailing ehenquiries@tewkesbury.gov.uk

Tewkesbury Borough Council’s lead member for Clean and Green Environment, Councillor Jim Mason, said: “The majority of dog owners act responsibly by cleaning up after their pets and will not be affected at all by our new Public Space Protection Order.

“However, dog fouling is nevertheless a matter of great concern to our residents.

“I’m therefore very pleased that our latest PSPO is taking a stronger approach.”