…Researched and contributed by Larry John.
Councillors in Monmouthshire are considering new regulations on dogs in public areas.
The proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders will introduce legal controls, including a county-wide requirement for dog owners to carry bags for collecting their pets’ poo.
Until now, owners were only required to do so in designated areas.
The orders will also introduce restrictions on where dogs can go off-leash and potential bans on taking them to certain places like children’s play areas or sports pitches.
However, the council is concerned about enforcement and funding for the new rules.
Enforcement is likely to be intelligence-led, with people providing information to the council. Council officers may also rely on dog walkers being creatures of habit.
They will issue on-the-spot fines or fixed penalty notices, while waste and street cleaning teams and other council departments could also be trained to issue fines.
The councillors debated the requirement for dog owners to carry bags for picking up their pets’ poo.
Some expressed concerns about enforcement if someone claims to have run out of bags while exercising their pets.
However, the proposed regulation aims to make enforcement easier, and it received broad support.
Commentary:
The proposal to require dog owners to carry bags for collecting their pets’ poo is a significant step in reducing the problem of dog fouling in public areas.
Monmouthshire County Council’s Public Spaces Protection Orders aim to ensure a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.
This new regulation shows the council’s commitment to this objective.
Enforcement of these rules, however, poses some challenges, including adequate funding and enough personnel to enforce them.
However, the council is planning to use intelligence-led enforcement, with the help of the community and other council departments.
Dog owners will also face restrictions on where they can take their dogs off-leash and where they can take them at all.
This will help protect public areas such as children’s play areas and sports pitches.
Overall, the new regulations will benefit everyone, including dog owners, who will be able to enjoy public spaces without worrying about their pets causing a nuisance or harm.