Basingstoke council for views to maintain tough dog fouling fines

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is seeking residents’ views on whether to renew a borough-wide PSPO with tougher measures on dog fouling.

The order for dog fouling was first introduced in December 2020 after the council was able to demonstrate that dog fouling in public spaces was what it described as “a problem across the borough”.

The order makes it an offence for people not to clear up after their dog has fouled in a public place and requires they carry dog poo bags with them.

If they do not they could receive an on the spot fine of £100 or be prosecuted at a magistrates’ court.

Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “The majority of dog owners act responsibly and clear up after their pets but there is a minority that do not and this is not acceptable or fair on other people using our open spaces.

“Since the introduction of the order three years ago, our officers have had greater powers to take enforcement action when needed, with fines of £100 or the threat of prosecution at court to help stamp out this selfish and lazy behaviour.”

People can have their say until Sunday 22 October on the council’s website.