First dog fouling Fixed Penalty Notice issued

Stratford-on-Avon District Council has recently issued the first Dog Fouling Fixed Penalty Notice following the introduction of new laws in April to force people to clean up after their dogs.

The notice, which has cost the errant dog owner a fee of £75, was issued after a member of the public spotted a man allowing his dog to foul the pavement near to their house and then walk away without clearing it up. The complainant was happy to provide evidence to council staff and to sign an official witness statement detailing what happened.

"All dog owners need to be aware that they have a responsibility to clean up after their dogs and the District Council will seek to issue fixed penalty notices whenever we can prove that an offence has been committed. We will not issue warnings in future. It is a disgusting and objectionable habit to let a dog foul without cleaning up afterwards and its clear that the general public in this district want us to deal with this," says Steve Haresnape Environmental Protection Manager.

"If anyone sees this happen please contact us at 01789 260839, we will do all that we can to take action. The message from this case is that the District Council does not have to rely solely on evidence from its own staff to take action. We will only issue these notices when we are convinced that we have a cast iron case and, if the receiver of the notice does not pay their £75 fee within 14 days, we will prosecute.  If we do have to prosecute the fine could be as much as £1000."

The Order can be viewed in any of the District Council offices or on the website  - Dog Warden Service

All dog walkers must now pick up the mess if their dog fouls pavements, footpaths, sports fields and play areas.