Getting tough over dog fouling in Christchurch

By Com_Publisher | Monday, August 09, 2010, 17:21

Christchurch Council is taking the issue of dog fouling more seriously following two fixed penalty notices issued to the same person.

Dog Fouling a real problem.

The Council has now declared that any person that is known to be a repeat offender will not be given the option of paying a fixed penalty of £50 but will be reported for prosecution. Conviction could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.

Six fixed penalty notices have been issued for dog fouling this year. Two at Steamer Point Nature Reserve, one at Mudeford Recreation Ground, one at Monkswell Green, one at Christchurch Quay and one at Stanpit

Marsh. The notices at the latter two places were to the same person.

Cllr Ray Nottage, portfolio holder for a safe and healthy community at Christchurch Council, said: “It’s often more difficult to catch offenders because they allow their dog to do its business at night or when there’s no one around. However the unpleasant evidence is left behind, sometimes in places where children could be playing. “Up until recently we’ve taken a view that we should be educating people into realising how anti-social it can be not to pick up after your dog and have done poster campaigns and given warnings. But now we are going to get tough, particularly with people who are repeat offenders.”

If you are a dog owner, how do you feel about this ? Are you in agreement that it is something that should be clamped down upon, or do you have different views ?

Re-post Write a story

Ads by Google

Comments

Education doesn't work with people who don't care

What cost to individuals and the NHS?
See - http://tinyurl.com/24mn298

All offenders should be named and shamed

By AlexTLF at 15:10 on 07/01/12
Report
If people can't pick up after their dogs then offenders should be forced to pick it up by hand and take it home in their pockets, without gloves or a bag to pick it up in. that'll teach those disgusting people.

By MrBobBobly at 15:17 on 20/12/10
Report
The roads leading to Christchurch Juniors and Christchurch Infants are now disgusting and the many children who have stepped in it is highlighted by the dog poo covered footprints leading to the school.

By matthew3112 at 22:24 on 16/12/10
Report
Prosecutions send a clear message that it won't be tolerated. Yes, it's difficult but it does show the council are determined to do something about it. I can't bear seeing loads of dog poo on the foopath, ground in by walkers and pushchair tyres. You try getting it off the carepts Buymyhouse. No-one will want to Buyyourhouse with dog poo all over the front hall. Yuk. Rub the owner's noses in it too.

By FlatStanley at 15:21 on 29/11/10
Report
I think the council is being irresponsible if it is seriously going to prosecute people for dog fouling. Securing convictions in these cases is notoriously difficult as the council needs foolproof evidence , like a photo of the dog doing its business. How can the council afford to take flimsy cases to court? Is it putting dog walkers and their pets under surveillance? The amount of public money and officer time can't be justified. I say the council should stick to its education programme. and the rest of us in Christchurch should take action whenever we see people not clearing up after their dogs. You can just politely remind them or take a photo and send it to the council. As usual, if you want something done, do it yourself!

By Buymyhouse at 18:07 on 28/11/10
Report