The community area as a whole seems to be having a big problem with dog fouling. The issue was taken to the Area Board in May 2012 and a task group was agreed to be set up to look at ways of dealing with the problem. After 18 months (!) the Area Board now wants your views.
There is still a week to respond
Remember, legislation is in place (Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005) with Dog Control Orders, and Wiltshire Council is in the process of updating the Dog Control Orders across Wiltshire. The penalty for committing an offence contained within a Dog Control Order is a maximum fine – currently £1,000, or a fixed penalty – in Wiltshire this is £75 (reduced to £50 if payment is made within ten days). Who can implement legislation? Wiltshire Council has two dog wardens to cover the whole county however parish councils are able to appoint people to issue Fixed Penalty Notices and many across the country have done so.
The easy opt out is to say more education and awareness. Well, that is useful but we have done that for years with little improvement. Forget the trifling £75 (£50) fines, it is now time to hit offenders with the £1000 fines. Shock and awe. Appoint another half a dozen dog wardens (the fines will cover the costs) and target specific areas and villages. Potential offenders are easy to spot, they simply do not carry any means to pick up their fouling.
Do give your views, click here to access the survey
