-
Cotswolds Website
-
Cotswolds Leisure
-
Shopping and Business
-
Cotswold History
-
Miscellaneous Information
-
Quick Links
Contact Us
[email protected]
Cotswold BlogThe Cotswold Blog is a collection of diary entries, news, gossip and other Cotswold related information.
Dog Fouling Fines On The Cards For CotswoldsOn-the-spot fines could be issued to dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets if new control orders are adopted by Cotswold District Council.Dog fouling was identified by residents and Town & Parish Councils as a chief concern about dogs during a recent consultation carried out by the authority. Now the Council is taking steps to crack down on the problem by proposing a control order that will allow officers to issue fixed penalty notices to people who fail to remove dog faeces. The order, for the entire District, would apply to any land to which the public is entitled or permitted to have access � such as pavements, playing fields and parks. Offenders would face a fixed penalty charge of �75 - or prosecution in a magistrates� court which could lead to a fine of up to �1,000 if they fail to pay up. The Council is currently consulting on the proposed order and wants to hear residents� views by email or letter by July 3rd before making a final decision. Portfolio holder for Community Services Cllr Edward Horsfall said: �We receive a steady number of complaints about dog fouling and we want to take positive action to resolve the problem. �Not only is dog fouling messy and offensive - it poses a risk to public health. We want to show the small minority of dog owners who think that it is okay not to clear up that we are serious about tackling this issue. �Our current system for dealing with offenders is restrictive and our only recourse is to take people to court. �A control order would allow our frontline environmental services staff to issue fixed penalty notices as they go about their work across the Cotswolds. They would also be able to investigate residents� reports of persistent offenders.� Cllr Horsfall stressed the Council would continue its drive to encourage responsible dog ownership. He said: "This is as much about education as enforcement. We offer free biodegradable �poop scoop� bags at our offices in Cirencester and Moreton-in-Marsh. �Any suitable bag can be used to pick up dog mess. The waste can be deposited in one of the many �dog bins� or litter bins in the District or double bagged and put out in the household waste.� Residents may view the proposed control order by visiting the Council offices at Cirencester or Moreton or online at www.cotswold.gov.uk. For a postal copy, please telephone 01285 623000. Anyone wishing to comment should return their views by July 3rd. A report will go before the Council�s Cabinet in July and if Members decide to go ahead with the order, it could be in place by September 1st. Posted : 27/05/2008 18:07:13 PLEASE NOTE: This story has been archived and the information contained within it may no longer be correct.
To view the full Cotswold Blog, click here |
|||||
|
|
|
|