Warning to dog owners after Shropshire resident who let pet off lead gets fine and letter under new rules
Dog owners in Shropshire are being reminded to control and clean up after their dogs after a member of the public was issued a fixed penalty notice in Hadnall for allowing a dog off its lead on the public highway.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Shropshire Council issued the warning after the resident was issued the fixed penalty notice (FPN) for contravening its new Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for dog control.
The local authority added that a warning letter has been issued to a person in Alveley, near Bridgnorth, for "failing to clear up after their dog". The council said this followed a witness statement from a member of the public.
Shropshire Council's PSPO came into effect last year, aiming to help tackle dog fouling and nuisance.
Under the PSPO, Shropshire Council and West Mercia 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 residents 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.
Officers also have the power to ask for a dog to be put on a lead in public areas where they are not under the control of their owner or are "acting aggressively".
The council added that in "some circumstances" warning letters can also be issued.
Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways, Dan Morris 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.”
