A RUGBY supporter is calling for a ban on all dogs in Alton's Anstey Park. Geoff Galliver's plea reflects his concern after witnessing dog owners turning a blind eye to their pets while watching a match. But while Alton Junior Rugby Football Club (AJRFC) child safety officer Andy Gay confirmed there is still a major problem with dogs fouling on the pitches, he believes it would be impossible to police a complete ban, especially in a public park. The health and safety implications of dog faeces on the playing areas, and in particular when related to the 300-strong youth section, cause the club a major headache. Every Sunday morning, before the junior matches, a team of coaches and parents have to scour the ground for dog poo. And even then it is impossible to remove every last scrap of mess. But while it remains a constant worry, Mr Gay said he would be "horrified" if some of the problem was down to dog owners who are watching the match. Geoff Galliver believed it could be. In a letter to Alton Town Council, he claims to have witnessed match spectators, who were most likely parents of players, failing to pick up after their dogs. "Exhorting people to clear up after their dogs, I don't think is a solution to the problem," wrote Mr Galliver, who has suggested a complete ban at all times. As an interim measure, Mr Galliver has also asked if Alton Rugby Club could advise visiting teams not to allow dogs to accompany spectators to the park. It is not a route Mr Gay would like to go down. He finds it hard to believe that spectators, and particularly parents,would be so callous as to let their pets foul the playing areas when their own children were at risk. "I have certainly not witnessed that happening and I would be astounded if I did," said the junior team coach, who believes that the problem is down to a small minority of "irresponsible and arrogant" owners who may let their animals foul the area as a matter of principle. "There are a lot of very sensible and law- abiding owners who walk their dogs in Anstey Park. It is only a very small minority who do not pick up after their animals and they are discrediting the rest. "There are by-laws which state that owners must pick up after their dogs or face a fine," according to the rugby man, who said that the council's advice has been to take photographs of dogs and owners who fail to adhere to the law. While the pictures can, and will, be used in evidence against offenders, Mr Gay would prefer to try to educate rather than bring a court case. "It would be far better to help people to understand and appreciate the implications of what they are doing," he said. Although there may be some instances when a dog owner may genuinely miss picking up, for example after dark, Mr Gay said the level of mess found on the pitches on a Sunday morning cannot possibly be the result of a few missed calls on a Saturday night. There are signs in the park and dog bins informing owners of their duty to the public in taking responsibility for their animals by keeping them under reasonable control and cleaning up after them. When asked to comment in November, when AJRFC held its last awareness campaign, East Hampshire District Council dog warden Dave Griffiths explained how all areas in East Hampshire affording public access are covered by the Dog Fouling of Land Act 1996. This requires owners to clear up after their animals and carries a fixed penalty of £50, rising to up to £1,000 for persistent offenders. On-the-spot fines can be issued to those "caught in the act" by dog wardens and by the police who have confirmed that if they see anyone flouting the dog fouling law they will not hesitate to enforce it. "Most cases involve people who have no intention of picking up after their dogs but it is a very small minority - most owners are brilliant," said Mr Griffiths. In discussing the matter at last week's meeting, members of Alton Town Council's recreation committee were of the same opinion as Andy Gay - that it would be impossible to police a complete ban on dogs at Anstey Park. However, they, too, remain unhappy with the situation and are determined to get the message across, that failure to remove dog faeces, particularly in a play area used by children, is "dangerous, irresponsible and unacceptable". While the committee has determined to enlist the help of EHDC dog wardens in tackling the problem, the message is clear: "Please keep your dogs off the pitches and make sure you pick up after them - it is the law."
