After extensive consultation, plans to introduce a Dog Control Order across Wealden District will be decided by Full Council on 27 November
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.
“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.
Local Bay resident and dog owner, Pauline Forster commented ‘I do think it is a good idea. People should have been doing it willingly for years. Mind you I don’t see much dog fouling in the Bay’.
Another dog owner, who lives on Coast Road said ‘ I agree with it, I can’t say I clean up 100%, but I hope 99% and I do try. I once saw an elderly lady in Maida Vale slip on dog mess outside a shop and the poor lady had broken her leg and an ambulance had to be called, so people really should think.’
The draft Dog Control order, to go before Wealden District Councillors on 27 November, 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.
