Cambridge dog walkers could face ‘on the spot’ fines if they don’t carry poo bags
Dog walkers in Cambridge could be subject to a “stop and search” to ensure they have bags used to pick up dog mess.
Cambridge City Council is considering introducing a requirement for dog owners and walkers to always carry a means to pick up dog faeces in a bid to reduce dog fouling under proposals to extend the city’s current dog control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).
Under the proposed order, owners must be able to produce the means when requested to do by an authorised officer.
The PSPO would give offenders the opportunity to pay an ‘on the spot’ fixed penalty notice – currently £75 – which is offered in place of prosecution. Non-payment could result in prosecution, with larger fines of up to £1,000 on the table.
The updated PSPO would also limit the number of dogs that can be walked to four per person at Hobsons Park and marked sports pitches at Coldham’s Common following complaints of lack of dog control and aggressive dogs.
It will also introduce a requirement for dogs to be on leads in marked sports pitches at Coldham’s Common.
Assistance dog users would be exempt and the measures will also not cover those who have a “reasonable excuse” or those who have certain disabilities.
Deputy leader Cllr Alex Collis, Labour’s executive member for open spaces, food justice and community development, said: “The orders are required to address the irresponsible behaviour of a small minority of dog owners, whose actions continue to have a detrimental impact on peoples’ quality of life and ability to enjoy outdoor places, not to mention the impact that they have on the wider environment.
“We want to make sure that everyone is able to continue enjoying our public spaces, that we are addressing residents’ concerns – and especially taking action to protect the wildlife that is so important to our city.”
The requirements contained in the proposal would last for three years, and would come into effect on October 19 this year when the current PSPO, which has been in place since 2017, expires.
A public consultation will be launched in February and March after it was agreed by councillors sitting on the city’s environment and community scrutiny committee.
