Dog control orders keep Wyre Forest safe, clean and looking good

New dog control orders are helping keep Wyre Forest district safe, clean and looking good.

The new control orders, which were introduced almost six months ago, are designed to ensure dog owners clean up after their pets, exclude dogs from fenced off children’s play areas, paddling pools and splashpads and restrict where dogs can be let off the lead.

Since introducing the measures on 1 October, 2017 enforcement teams have been out promoting the controls and making sure dog owners are aware of their responsibilities. Now almost six months on, they are warning that residents who fail to comply with the new rules will receive fixed penalty notices.

Cabinet Member for Operational Services Councillor Rebecca Vale said: “Dog fouling is one of the general public’s biggest concerns, which is why we introduced new dog control measures last year with the resounding support of residents who took part in online and face to face consultation.

“The vast majority of dog owners support the controls and accept that clearing up after their pets, having the means to clean up and keeping them on leads in certain areas are reasonable. We accept that in most areas it’s fine for dogs to be let off the lead, so long as they are under control, but there are areas which are not suitable.”

The two main areas where dogs should be kept on a lead at all times are Kidderminster Cemetery and Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens in Bewdley, which has ornamental gardens and fish pond, Green Theatre and is used for small events.

Councillor Vale added: “Public Space Protection Orders are not designed to make money or to catch people out but are used as a part of a “tool kit” to enable councils to tackle anti-social behaviour directly. Officers are able to use discretion and are instructed to use a common sense approach in their enforcement duties.

“By all pulling together we will succeed in keeping our district clean, safe and looking good.”

The new dog controls are set out in a Public Spaces Protection Order which gives the council powers under the under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Any person found guilty of breaching the order is liable on summary conviction to a fine up to £1000. Depending on the behavior in question, the enforcing officer may decide that a fixed penalty notice of £100 would be the most appropriate sanction.

For more information http://www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/dogs