A Lichfield councillor says plans for new rules forcing dog owners to carry poo bags will have “little impact” if the issue of enforcement is not addressed.
Lichfield District Council is consulting on the measure as part of a package of measures as part of a proposed dog control public spaces protection orders.
They also include restrictions on dogs being taken into playground areas.
But owners may also be forced to prove they have at least two poo bags on them or risk a fine.
But Cllr Joanne Grange, independent representative for Chadsmead at Lichfield District Council, said new rules alone would not tackle the problem.
“Responsible dog owners normally have pockets full of dog poo bags and happily hand them over to other responsible dog owners who have been ‘caught short’ on request.
“Putting in place more rules, without enforcement, will have little impact on those dog owners who do not already carry, and use, bags.
“Carrying dog poo bags is no guarantee of use of dog poo bags.
“Another example of rules for rules’ sake without actually dealing with the problem.”
Cllr Joanne Grange, Lichfield District Council
A Lichfield District Council spokesperson confirmed that “as a rule of thumb, dog walkers would be expected to carry at least two bags that can be used”.
“We believe this order will help us to keep the district free of dog mess – sadly a tiny minority of dog walkers do not clean up after their pets.
“A district wide public space protection order would require anyone responsible for a dog to have bags with them and clean up any mess and put it in a litter or dog waste bin or take it home if one isn’t available.
“We want to make it clear to dog owners, who lack the common decency to clean up after their pets, that this will not be tolerated.
“It would be a criminal offence not to comply with the order, which could result in a fixed penalty of £80 or even lead to a prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.”
Lichfield District Council spokesperson
More details about the draft dog control public space protection order are available at www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/dogcontrolorder. To have your say on the proposals, email comments to pollution@lichfielddc.gov.uk by 5th March.
Cllr Grange said:
“Addressing the behaviour of the minority of dog owners who are irresponsible is a good idea – the proposed method does not address that problem.”
Cllr Joanne Grange, Lichfield District Council
How on earth would this be enforced anyway? You don’t have to give your details to anyone apart from the Police, I certainly can’t see them being available to come out and enforce such a petty civil offense. What will the council enforcement officer do, follow the person home?!
I don’t have a dog.
My neighbours do…they take poo bags every time they walk the little horror and they often ‘lend a bag’ if another owner’s caught short. On rare occasions it’s been reciprocal. The neighbours therefore often come back without a bag…what if that’s when the poo-checker strikes?
I know dog poo is disgusting to find & I’m all for owners being responsible but to be honest, right now, doesn’t the country have more pressing and urgent issues to debate & get through?
Dog poo will sadly still be there long after covid…
Seriously, this is an ill-thought through policy which won’t stop the problem with irresponsible owners but threatens to penalise sensible & thoughtful dog owners.
I think it needs a big re-think.
What about taking a photo or video and name and shame them, then fine them?
It’s not always having a poo bag that counts but what you do with it. On every recent walk on the Pipe Green Trust lands we have found bags of dog poo displayed on fences and gates. These people have bags and use them but then leave them behind. It is disgusting and they should be fined!