Spelthorne Council’s Cabinet has decided (13 December) to make Dog Control Orders for playgrounds, parks and roads within the Borough. The control orders will be published shortly.
Following informal consultation, and representation from the public about the increasing nuisance that dog mess causes residents, the Council will impose on the spot fines to those who breach the orders. The fine will be £75 – reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days.
Dog fouling in public parks and on street, has been increasing steadily over time – more than 50 reports were received between January and March this year. These controls will, it is hoped, reduce the occurrences and make places more pleasant for residents and children.
The dog control orders may include provisions to cover the following:
failing to remove faeces
not keeping a dog on a lead
not putting a dog on a lead when directed to do so
permitting as dog to enter land from which it is excluded
taking more dogs than specified on to an area.
Failure to remove faeces and also allowing dogs to enter land from which they are excluded, such as children’s playgrounds, are of particular concern according to complaints received.
Cllr Penny Forbes-Forsyth, Cabinet Member for Parks and Leisure commented: “I very much hope that these orders will send out a strong message to those dog owners who still do not take responsibility for their animals and clear up any mess. There should be a marked improvement in the cleanliness of our parks and streets which will make parks, playgrounds and streets much for pleasant for people to use”.
Media enquiries to the communications team on 01784 444260/446297/446370/446372.
