Clean up after your dog – or pay the price

DOG owners who fail to clean up after their pets in a public space will be hit by tougher penalties in new measures introduced by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

Anybody caught not cleaning up after their dog has fouled in a public space, or not carrying with them a way of clearing up after their dog, such as dog poo bags, faces an on-the-spot fine of £100 or a court prosecution.

This is double the previous fixed penalty notice of £50.

A borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog fouling will enable the tougher penalties to be enforced.

The council says it is reacting to growing concern and numerous complaints from borough residents about an increase in dog fouling in their neighbourhoods.

A public consultation on plans to introduce the order saw 97 per cent of the 848 respondents agree that people who fail to pick up after their dogs have fouled is a problem in the borough and supported the proposed powers.

Cabinet member for the environment and enforcement Hayley Eachus said: “We have introduced the Public Space Protection Order across the borough in a bid to eradicate the unsightly and dirty problem of dog fouling and to respond to public concern.

“The majority of dog owners act responsibly and clear up their pet’s mess, but there are a minority that still do not and this selfish behaviour cannot be condoned.

“We hope these tougher measures, which include a £100 on-the-spot fine and the prospect of prosecution, will act as a deterrent to those owners who do not clear up after their dogs.

“Residents have told us that clean streets, parks and open spaces is a priority for them and the pandemic has highlighted the importance of these areas in enhancing physical and mental wellbeing.

“We will continue to work hard to tackle this antisocial and irresponsible behaviour.”

For more information, visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/PSPOdog-fouling