Fine and warning letter issued following dog control offences

Dog owners are being reminded to control, and clean up after, their dogs after a fixed penalty notice (FPN) was issued to a member of the public in Hadnall for allowing a dog off its lead on the public highway – in contravention of Shropshire Council’s new Public Spaces Protection Order for dog control.

A warning letter has also been issued to a person in Alveley for failing to clear up after their dog. It followed the submission of a witness statement by a member of the public.

The public spaces protection order (PSPO) to help tackle dog fouling and nuisance came into effect last year.

Under the PSPO Shropshire Council and the police can issue fixed penalty notices of £100 (£50 if paid within 10 days) to owners who allow their animals to foul pavements and public amenity spaces without clearing up afterwards – and to those who allow their dogs to enter fenced play and sports areas, or who don’t ensure their dog is wearing a lead on the public highway.

In some circumstances warning letters can also be issued.

Dan Morris, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways, said:

“This PSPO was introduced following an increasing number of complaints to the council about dog fouling, and to enable enforcement for the control of dogs and for addressing dog fouling.

“I’m pleased that under these new powers we have issued a FPN and a warning letter and I hope this serves as a reminder to all dog owners about the need to control and clear up after their dogs – or face possible punishment.

“The warning letter was issued following a witness statement, and we encourage all members of the public to contact us – and provide a similar statement – if they see dog poo left in the street, or dogs off their leads, in breach of the PSPO rules. Our officers can’t be everywhere so people really can help by being our eyes and ears.”

Under the PSPO officers also have the power to ask for a dog to be put on a lead in public areas where they aren’t under the control of their owner or are acting aggressively.

For more information visit the Shropshire Council website.