Issue - meetings

Report number SS0008 by the Healthy Environment Portfolio Holder.

                                                                                                            (Enclosure)

DECISION:  To commence formal public consultation in relation to the adoption of Dog Control Orders within South Kesteven District as attached to report number SS0008.

The Healthy Environment Portfolio Holder submitted report number SS0008 which, he said, referred to an issue that concerned many residents – the control of dogs and dog fouling in public places as a result of irresponsible ownership.  Members were advised that the proposed orders under the 2006 Regulations superseded the previous Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 under which the council currently issued fixed penalty notices for dog fouling offences.  The new orders would allow volunteer employees of parish councils to act in an enforcement capacity and the portfolio holder was pleased to report that there had been interest expressed by a number of parish councils in taking up this opportunity.

Before moving the recommendation that formal consultation be undertaken on the adoption of Dog Control Orders, the Portfolio Holder advised members that a revised list of play areas to be covered by the orders was available in the Members’ Room.  The motion was seconded.

A member expressed concern that there were a number of locations in Stamford that were not presently included in the list.  The portfolio holder replied that there was an opportunity before the consultation was launched for members to put forward other suggested sites.

Concern was also expressed that the council would be making orders that it would not or could not enforce.  He hoped that there would be sufficient resources available to carry out the enforcement.  A comment was also made that those committing these offences did not do so within a 9 to 5 period.  Officers then responded to these points explaining that PCSO’s and other authorised officers of the council e.g. estate officers, would be able to carry out enforcement of these orders.  Assurances were given that times that officers trained in enforcement were out in the community would be monitored and resources would be focused on “hot spots” where the problem was most prevalent.  Councillor McBride outlined the role of PCSO’s in this regard who would be acting as agents of the council.

Members indicated their support for these enhanced controls, recognising that most problems were down to an irresponsible minority of dog owners.  It was hoped that those who were caught contravening the orders would be made an example of as well as proactive publicity about the dangers that dog fouling caused for children and pregnant women.  The portfolio holder responded by acknowledging these points and the importance of training for the officers in a common sense application of the regulations during which they may have to deal with some abusive people.