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News

Pet Owners Prosecuted for Allowing Dogs to Foul

Today at Wimborne Magistrates Court, the Borough of Poole’s Consumer Protection Service successfully prosecuted a number of people for failing to pick up after their dogs, after they had fouled public open spaces in Poole.

The offences were committed in January and February at Hamworthy Park, Baiter and Whitecliff areas. Three people alone were caught during one enforcement exercise at Hamworthy Park.

Four people were prosecuted receiving fines of between £30 and £50 plus costs after entering guilty pleas. A fifth person was convicted in absence after she failed to turn up and a sixth case was adjourned to another court date.

One of the offenders prosecuted today was sitting in the café in Hamworthy Park allowing her dog to run around hundreds of yards away. The Park is used by young and old for recreation and dog owners are urged to maintain control of their dogs at all times to avoid them annoying the public and other dogs as well as cleaning up after them.

Consumer Protection Services staff are now working proactively with Leisure Services staff to try and catch the small minority of anti-social dog owners who still fail to pick up their dogs’ faeces. Patrols of public areas will continue and all offenders can be sure that they will be reported for prosecution.

Councillor Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: "Dog owners need to be vigilant when exercising their animals. Not noticing an animal fouling has exactly the same impact as not caring. The community at large has given a very clear message to the council - they want zero tolerance applied to dog fouling, littering, fly posting, graffiti and business waste not being contained correctly. Today’s prosecutions send out a clear message to all pet owners to be responsible."

Peter Pawlowski, Head of Consumer Protection Services, Borough of Poole, said: "The public should be aware that although the fine plus costs is often relatively low for a dog fouling conviction, the offender will have a criminal record against their name."

Pet owners in Poole are reminded that they are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs on all public open spaces including all public beaches. Dog owners should have sufficient bags on them at all times and be prepared to use them. It is not a reasonable excuse that your dog got away from you and you failed to see it foul.

The maximum fine for a dog fouling offence is £1000 and responsible dog owners in particular are encouraged to report dog owners who they see leaving their dogs faeces behind. The public can report such offenders in Poole to Consumer Protection Services on 01202 261700.

Andrew Crossen-White, Principal Officer, Consumer Protection Service, Borough of Poole tel 01202 261732