Dog fouling ‘hotspots’ targeted
Dog fouling ‘hotspots’ in Warwick district will continue to be targeted by Warwick District Council as part of an on-going enforcement campaign.
During the last week of July, the District Council’s Environmental Health team took a roadshow out around popular dog-walking areas, including the Pump Room Gardens in Leamington Spa, St Nicholas Park in Warwick, Abbey Fields in Kenilworth and Acre Close Recreation Ground in Whitnash.
‘Bag it and bin it – it only takes a minute’ was the main message of the campaign, which targeted local dog owners, offering information and advice on responsible dog ownership and dog fouling.
Councillor Michael Coker, Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “The majority still do things properly; it’s just the odd people that don’t. We’d like them to stop and if they don’t we’ll do something about it. We will not put up with people who don’t comply with the rules.”
Warwick District Council says the enforcement campaign will be continuing, focusing on known dog fouling ‘hotspots’, as reported by members of the public.
The District Council’s dog warden, Vikki Timms, and Police Community Support Officers will be patrolling the district and anyone seen not cleaning up after their dog in a public place will be liable to a fixed penalty notice of £50. Dog owners can bin dog poo in any litter bin and not just those provided for dog waste.
Dog Warden, Vikki Timms, said: “We’re trying our utmost to do everything we can about the situation. Warwick District Council and myself are aware of the problem and doing everything we can to try and get it sorted.”
Warwick District Council also wanted residents’ views on whether they should make dog control orders which can ban dogs from specified areas and/or require them to be kept on a lead.
Positive feedback has been received following the request for the public nominate parks and open spaces for the dog control orders and these will be considered by the Council later in the year.