A CRACKDOWN on dog fouling and dog control is proposed by Waverley Borough Council, following the introduction of £100 fines for litter louts that came into force in May.

The council is planning to use two separate Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to ensure dogs are responsibly managed by their owners at all times in public spaces.

If adopted, the first order will result in a ban on dog fouling across the entire borough, meaning dog owners and dog walkers will need to clean up and dispose of dog mess properly.

The second order will target issues of dog control, including requiring owners to keep dogs on leads in certain areas and during specified dates, excluding dogs from designated spaces, such as children’s play areas, and a condition to allow owners to walk no more than four dogs at once.

If people are found to breach either of the orders they risk receiving a fixed penalty notice of £100 and if this isn’t paid, could face prosecution and be fined up to £1,000.

Announcing the launch of a public consultation to get feedback from residents which runs until Friday, July 27, Kevin Deanus, Waverley’s portfolio holder for community services, said: “Like many residents who live here, I love spending time outside and exploring our parks and countryside.

“However, nothing puts a dampener on a pleasant walk in some of our beautiful green spaces quite like treading in dog mess that someone couldn’t be bothered to clear up, or feeling uncomfortable seeing dogs that are out of control.

“This is anti-social behaviour that doesn’t need to happen and that’s what we are targeting with these orders.

“The majority of dog owners in Waverley are responsible and so these orders will have no impact on them, because they already respect the environment where they walk their dogs.

“However, if these orders are adopted, we hope it will deter and stop the minority of irresponsible dog owners out there who don’t respect the area or other people in it.

“We proposed the orders after listening to feedback and concerns from residents, local businesses and our partners and hope they will promote responsible dog ownership.

“We really want to hear your views on the orders, whether you own a dog or not, if you support them or not, and if think there are any other problem hotspots or issues that need to be included.”

Commercial dog walkers are not required to have a licence but, following action taken elsewhere, Waverley is proposing to make that a requirement.

In February, Horsell Common Society introduced a charge of £300 for walking more than four dogs at a time, which is valid for a year, because the increasing, uncontrolled activity was causing ‘environmental damage to wildlife habitats locally.’

Waverley has joined forces with East Hampshire District Council (EHDC) in the zero tolerance crackdown on general litter, introducing borough-wide penalties of £100, reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days.

nFor more information and to record your views, go to: www.waverley.gov.uk/dogpspo – responses can also be made in writing to: Communications (PSPO Consultation), Waverley Borough Council, Godalming, GU7 1HR.