Redcar and Cleveland dog walkers to be fined for not carrying poo bags
Tough new rules on people who fail to pick up after their dog are launching today.
Dog walkers in Redcar and Cleveland could be fined for failing to carry a poo bag from today.
It's part of a tough new rules package by Redcar and Cleveland Council, which received overwhelming public support.
The Public Spaces Protection Order will see new offences grouped alongside existing offences under the wide ranging order. The new offences are: Failure to have the means to pick up after a dog and not allowing dogs in fenced-off children's playgrounds.
Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council has become one of the first authorities in the country to introduce the new powers, which carry fines of ÂŁ100 for anyone caught flouting the orders.
Cllr Alec Brown, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, said:
“I am pleased the council is taking action against the minority of irresponsible dog owners. They ignore the rules which are put in place to keep our children safe and our neighbourhoods clean, and we are determined to tackle the problem.
“I am passionate about improving the aesthetics and appearance of the borough and I believe this is a big step in the right direction for making the borough a much more pleasant place to live, work and visit.”
We spoke to a number of dog walkers in Redcar's Locke Park.
They said: "I think it's a good idea because it annoys me when people walk away and leave it, it really winds me up.
"If you can't pick up after a dog, don't get one.
"I live on this road and people just leave it, for instance, right next to this poo bin, a big pile of poo.
"It is harsh but I think if you're not going to pick it up, then take the punishment."
For more information on and to report dog fouling in your area, visit: www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk/dogfouling or call 01642 774774.