Residents reminded of laws around dog fouling after spike in incidents

Residents across North East Lincolnshire are being reminded of the laws around dog fouling after a spike in incidents.

The Council oversees the offence of dog fouling through the use of a Public Space protection Order (PSPO). These are orders that can be made in specific locations to deal with certain behaviour that may cause harm to the quality of life for others.

Complaints are regularly received from residents about dog fouling and the behaviour of some dogs. This PSPO deals with the following issues:

• dog fouling
• showing means to pick up dog mess
• dogs not on leads in areas they should be
• dogs in areas where they should not be

Offenders can be issued with a fixed penalty of £100 if they are in breach of the order. If they fail to pay the fixed penalty, it is likely they’ll be prosecuted in the magistrates’ court and be fined up to £1000.

Residents are urged to put their dog waste in bins across the borough, which are all emptied daily or weekly.

However, should anyone wish to report an incident of dog fouling, they should complete a PSPO breach form here.

In January, three people were found to have breached the PSPO. Two were fined for dog fouling and one for having no means to pick up the waste.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, added: “We are seeing a rise in the number of complaints pertaining to dog fouling.

“It’s very clear what the rules are and any dog owner should know that they have to pick their pets waste up when out walking.

“It isn’t right that others should have to report it or made to manoeuvre around it when out in the borough. Those who are found to have breached the PSPO will be prosecuted and dealt with accordingly, it a serious issue that we are fully committed to tackling.”