Agenda item

Report ENV665 from the Cabinet Member for the Environment.

(Enclosure)

The Cabinet Member for Environment presented report ENV665 on dog fouling which included a range of measures that could be deployed.  The subject of dog fouling specifically in relation to DNA testing had been briefly discussed by the Committee and although Members were not keen on this aspect the Cabinet Member felt that DNA testing should be considered within the wider scope of options in respect of dog fouling.

·         Dog fouling was a subject that was often brought up at Parish and Town Council meetings but not reflected in the number of reported instances to the District Council which were low with an average of 220 cases reported each year, about four per week. 

·         A survey of a small number of parish councils identified that dog fouling was raised with 40% on a consistent basis.

·         Members recognised that a majority of dog owners were responsible.

·         Erection of signage and reactive patrols targeted hotspots identified through intelligence from customers.

·         Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) could be issued by authorised officers of the Council and others if they were designated to do so. (e.g. parish council representatives and private enforcement contractors).

·         Police Community Safety Officers (PCSOs) were not able to issue FPNs for dog fouling under the existing dog control orders but would be able to issue FPN’s if a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was in place although dog fouling was not a top priority for the police.

·         No FPNs had been issued by the Neighbourhoods Team.

·         Any PSPO would need proactive enforcement and resources would need prioritizing.

·         Any PSPO needed to be prescriptive and supported by evidence.

·         Parish and Town Councils could train staff to provide an enforcement resource.

·         The only duty of the dog warden related to the collection of stray dogs.

·         Members commented that additional bins should be provided in hotspot areas.

·         A suggestion was made that a high profile DNA testing campaign could act as a deterrent.

The consensus of Members was to note the options listed in the report. The Committee recommended that priority should be given to increasing bins in dog fouling hotspots and the introducing of a PSPO for the whole of the district requiring dog walkers to carry a receptacle for disposing of dog waste. If they failed to produce one on request they would be issued with a fixed penalty notice. 

Some Members did not support DNA testing because of the balance between the likely outcomes and the required resource and expense.  One Member proposed that the Council should proactively engage with parish and town councils on parish council staff being trained to issue FPNs, however this was not supported by other Committee Members.

Recommendation:

The Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommends that items 3 – 10 below are noted but that items 1 and 2  are looked at by the Cabinet as a priority in relation to dog fouling.

1.    To increase the number of bins at hot spot locations.

2.    To introduce a new public space protection order for the whole of South Kesteven to require dog walkers to have with them a receptacle to pick up dog waste and if they fail to produce one on request to receive a fixed penalty notice.

3.    National initiatives – Sign up to Keep Britain Tidy and take part in their national campaigns.

4.    Local initiatives – free dog poo bags, school involvement, spray paint stencils. These have all had limited success in other areas but ultimately the responsibility lies with the dog owner.

5.    Continue as is, target patrols based on local intelligence, encourage reporters to provide details of offenders and progress on this basis.

6.    Maintain education – signage, letters, leaflets etc.

7.    Positive media to remind/educate – this has worked particularly well with success we have had with fly tipping and littering with significant public support.

8.    To review current enforcement programme in order to provide an increased enforcement regime, aiming for this to be either cost neutral or generate an income stream from FPN income.  In order for this to be a realistic and viable option for an external provider this would also include other offences where a FPN would apply such as littering.

9.    Review the existing dog control orders and modify within accordingly within the new legislation with fines set at a level to maximise income and deter offenders.

10.Maintain a watching brief on those Authorities what have implemented a requirement for all dog owners within their area to register their dogs DNA on a local authority data base.

A short adjournment took place between 12.35pm and 12.40pm.