Bath and North East Somerset Council are planning on fining dog owners in an attempt to reduce the amount of dog related complaints.
A fine of £75 can be issues for reasons such as walking too many dogs at a time, not having your dog on a lead or walking a dog in an inappropriate area.
The new fines will also cover dog fouling which will increase the current fine from £50, proceeds are expected to go back into cleaning and enforcing the new rules.
The rules have not yet been set, it will be interesting to see how many dogs are deemed as excessive and where will be an inappropriate area for dogs. I also hope that there is room for sensible consideration, someone with two very manic dogs can be more dangerous and intimidating that someone walking 4 very well behaved dogs to heel.
Cathryn Humphries eighbourhood environment manager for Bath and North East Somerset Council said “Dog owners have the right to enjoy their pets and to exercise them. However, residents, and in particular children, also have a right to be able to enjoy a clean, safe environment.
Although there are many responsible dog owners across Bath and north east Somerset who keep their dogs under control and clear up after their dog in a public place, unfortunately a small number of inconsiderate dog owners do not, and cause problems in the community.”
What do you think to the proposed fines? Leave a comment below.
I do wish that dog-related policies would target irresponsible owners rather than those with x number of dogs, or certain breeds (thinking of BSL).
I agree, there are owners out there who can’t even control one dog and other people who manage to responsibly own and walk a number of dogs.
Angela