The Parish Councillors have been made aware that Dog Fouling in Stramshall and Bramshall has increased, so the following statement from East Staffordshire Borough Council website might make clear the position within our County.
Dog fouling on the street or in public places
The Problem
Whilst we recognise that the majority of dog walkers within the borough act responsibly and clean up after their dog, a minority of people still fail to do so and this causes problems within the area.
Dog fouling is widely considered to be the most offensive type of litter on our streets and green spaces, being both visually unpleasant and also potentially dangerous with the threat of contracting Toxicariasis a very real risk to the public, particularly the young.
Report Dog Fouling
You can report dog fouling by calling 01283 508000 or online.
Help us to keep your area clean and free of dog foul. You can report offenders or hotspot areas by contacting the Community and Civil Enforcement team on our telephone number 01283 508856 or alternatively by e-mail on community.civil_enforcement@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk
What the Community and Civil Enforcement Team do
Allowing a dog to foul and not picking up the mess is an offence for which we operate a zero tolerance approach. The Community and Civil Enforcement team are authorised to issue ‘on the spot’ £75 Fixed Penalty Notices to anyone caught failing to pick up their dog’s mess. This may also lead to prosecution if the case goes to court.
Whose responsibility?
It is the responsibility of the person who is in charge of the dog at the time the fouling occurs to pick up the mess. This is not always the dog’s owner. Being unaware that the dog has fouled or not having a suitable means of removal is not deemed as an adequate defence.
Therefore ensure you always carry with you a bag to keep the dog foul in, you can use nappy bags/carrier bags etc or alternatively train your dog to foul at home in the garden. Dispose of the bag in an appropriate bin.
Dog fouling/odour in private gardens
These types of odours can be a source of irritation for neighbours as the smell from a build up of faeces can interfere with the use of an individual’s property.
What can you do?
Problems regarding odour can often be resolved informally by politely explaining the problem to the dog owner and trying to come to a compromise. However, this informal approach may not always be successful and some people may not be prepared to speak directly to the persons responsible.
You can also report dog fouling and odour (in private gardens) to Environmental Health at ehsupport@eaststaffsbc.gov.uk
http://www.eaststaffsbc.gov.uk/environmental-health/dogs/dog-fouling
The Parish Council hopes this information is of help to residents.