Council clamp down on irresponsible dog owners

A clamp down on careless dog owners will take place in Rossendale after the Council introduced new powers, it has been announced.

Following a period of public consultation new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) will come into force after being signed off at a recent full Council meeting.

The PSPOs give the Council powers to deal more effectively with irresponsible dog owners.

They cover such things as not picking up dog mess, not carrying poo bags and not putting dogs on a lead when instructed to by an authorised officer.

If a PSPO is breached a fixed penalty notice can be issued of £75, leading to prosecution if that isn’t paid.

Cllr Steve Hughes, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Customers, said:

Our Borough is dog-friendly and we want everyone to enjoy our wonderful parks and public spaces. Most dog owners are responsible and dog walkers add to the variety of any park.

But unfortunately a minority spoil it for everyone. Dog fouling is a constant issue which residents are fed up of and these orders give us powers to tackle the selfish few who thoughtlessly do not control their dogs and inflict misery on others.

Most responsible dog owners will agree that these new powers will help with the issues created by the irresponsible few.