Rhondda MP has welcomed the council’s new crack down on dog fouling across Rhondda Cynon Taff.
RCT Council will be consulting on a number of options including:
- The prohibition of dog fouling in all public places,
- A requirement that dogs are kept on leads in play grounds & cemeteries owned/maintained by the Council,
- A requirement to carry bags, or other suitable means, for the disposal of dog faeces,
- A requirement allowing authorised officers to give a direction that a dog be put and kept on a lead if necessary,
- A prohibition excluding dogs from all schools and marked sports pitches owned/maintained by the Council, and
- Increasing the fixed penalty fine to the maximum permitted of £100
Chris Bryant MP said, “I often get constituents complaining about repetitive dog fouling.
“It is not right that repeat offenders get away with blighting our communities with dog mess. I whole hearted welcome this consultation from the Labour-run RCT council to crack down on the issue.”
Andrew Morgan, leader of the council, said: “The issue of dog fouling has been a prevalent one, particularly over the last year to 18 months, and one which we have tried to tackle through awareness-raising, enforcement where necessary, provision of free dog bags and the installation of a number of new dog bins across the county borough every year.
“Recent engagement with residents at consultation events and feedback received via social media has consistently flagged up dog fouling as an issue and unfortunately it is clear that there are still some irresponsible dog owners who refuse to clean up after their dogs – and it can’t continue.
“Unfortunately there are some who don’t even carry dog bags with them when they walk their dogs.”