MALVERN residents can now have their say on plans by Malvern Hills District Council to impose stricter fines on irresponsible dog owners.
A 12-week consultation has been launched by the authority on proposals to introduce a new Public Space Protection Order for dog fouling in the district.
As reported last month in the Malvern Observer, the order would give council officers the power to ask dog owners to prove they have the means to clean up after their pet, such as a scooper, bag or other suitable equipment.
Should owners be unable to demonstrate that they have the tools needed to carry pout the duty, then the woner will be issued with a fine of up to £100 and a £1,000 court fine if they fail to pay.
Currently officers can only issue out fines if they see the dog owner fail to pick up after their dog.
The district is acting as it claims dog fouling is a major issue in the district.
Guide dogs and people who are physically unable to comply with the requirements of the PSPO will be exempt from the new rule.
The consultation runs until midnight on Sunday, 26 February 2016 and people can have their say by visiting www.malvernhills.gov.uk/public-notices-consultations and filling in the online survey.
Council officers will be talking to dog owners while they are out walking to gauge their views and town and parish councils will also be asked to take part.
Once the consultation has finished, the results will be discussed at a future meeting and a final decision made on whether or not to introduce the order. If approved, the order would initially run for three years and then be reviewed.
Coun Bronwen Behan, portfolio holder for the environment on Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We know dog fouling is an issue of concern to our residents and this is our response to that concern. It’s really important people get involved in the consultation and tell us if they support the proposal or if they object, what else they think we should be doing.”
