After extensive consultation, plans to introduce a Dog Control Order across Wealden District have been approved by Full Council
Nearly 1,200 residents took part in the consultation, the vast majority doing so online. An overwhelming 94 per cent were in favour of Council Officials and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) being able to issue £75 spot fines when they see a dog owner failing to clear up after their pet in public places.
The Dog Control Order will come into effect across Wealden on 1 January 2014.
“This is clearly a very important issue for local people, and I would like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation,” said Councillor Rowena Moore, Cabinet member for Customer Services. “It is only a small proportion of dog owners who are being rather irresponsible. We need to change this culture. The vast majority of dog owners do clear up after their pets.”
“As well as the Council’s Street Scene Officers and PCSOs, we hope towns and parish councils will be interested in providing trained officers who can help with enforcement.”
Respondents to the survey thought ‘laziness / can’t be bothered’ were the principal reasons why dog owners did not clear up after their pets. Some 60% also felt there was little chance of being caught and 46% said there was a lack of a sufficient deterrent.
The Dog Control Order was approved by Wealden District Councillors on 27 November. It will apply to all highways, footpaths, verges and twittens within Wealden District, as well as pedestrian areas, public parks and sports grounds, cemeteries, beaches and car parks.
The report on the consultation and the draft Dog Control Order can be viewed here.
