In one nearby borough, dog walkers who are discovered without a waste bag risk penalties and legal action.
Dog owners who “flout the rules,” according to new laws from Rushcliffe Borough Council in Nottinghamshire, will be fined.
Wardens will have the authority to question dog walkers and challenge them about having the “means to pick up” any waste.
According to The Telegraph, failure to have waste bags available could result in a £100 punishment.
Although Rushcliffe is the most recent local government to implement the measures, Derbyshire, Somerset, Devon, and Lancashire have all followed a similar set of guidelines.
“An key aspect of being a responsible dog owner includes cleaning up any mess and carrying a supply of dog waste bags with them,” said Dr. Ed Hayes of The Kennel Club.
However, we are concerned that the Rushcliffe Borough Council’s proposed actions could unfairly punish other-wise responsible dog owners, such as if they have previously used the required bags or have donated a spare to someone else, as urged by the Green Dog Walker programs.
‘Local authorities may wish instead to consider alternative measures, such as introducing a clause which provides an exemption for those who have run out of bags but are able to prove that they were in possession of, and made use of, these during their walk.’
Robin Inglis, of Rushcliffe Borough Council, said: ‘We’re aware the vast majority of dog owners take their responsibilities seriously and these new powers are there to tackle the minority who flout the rules.
‘We are keen to protect residents from any of the issues dog fouling raises. The emphasis will be on engaging and educating dog owners and only applying fines where necessary.
‘Our message to all dog owners is to always carry bags to ensure you’re ready to do the right thing and always pick up after your pet.’