Dog Fouling Update (Feb 2025)

Once again the issue of dog fouling has been raised, most recently at the regular Saturday Surgery. As a result, the Clerk has been tasked with addressing the matter in the following ways.

1. Contact CCBC to query their current position on enforcement. Additionally, query the enforcement of dogs not being on leads on a public road

The answer from CCBC was that there is no resource to proactively enforce this matter, but have invested in mobile CCTV which targets hotspots, deters individuals and identifies offenders. There are 2 Public Protection Enforcement Officers but they are only funded until March 2025. These officers can engage, inform and deter offenders.

CCBC would prosecute anyone if it was considered there was sufficient evidence and they encourage members of the community to help provide this.

There is no resource to enforce matters relating to dogs being kept on leads.

2. Improve Signage.

The Clerk has asked Civic Pride Wardens to give the previous signage locations as What 3 Words addresses so that a rolling schedule of checking and repainting can be undertaken throughout the year. . This would involve pavement reminders near dog fouling hotspots or bins, as well as renewed lamp post signs to help create awareness that it is a criminal offence not to clear up after your dog.

The re-spraying of pavement signs will start this week (w/c 24th February) and the Clerk will look to get pavement furniture signs made to remind people about dog fouling being a criminal offence.

Given the current climate of constriction of budgets and services ceasing, as we have seen recently with the Citizens Advice Outreach Service, it is not a surprise that there is little provision possible for the enforcement of this distressing problem. However, everyone knows the answer and unfortunately, those that care least cause the most angst for everyone else. Pick up after your dog and respect your community.

In the meantime, PTC, me, my team and every responsible dog owner will do all that we can to help deal with this problem.

The Clerk