Dog Nuisance

The issue of dog fouling and nuisance is one which generates substantial anger within a significant proportion of our population. We hear the complaints about our streets, parks, beaches, play areas in fact just about anywhere open to the dog owning fraternity.
Yes, we must recognise the work done by the majority of responsible dog owners in minimising the impact of their animal on the Borough. Their contribution is both welcomed and appreciated by us all. Sadly, however, there is an element within the this dog owning community who neither know nor care about the horrendous impact their actions, or lack of it, and how it impacts on the rest of us. This significant negative impact is potentially created from a dog population of 6167.
As Councillors we face a never ending stream of complaints about dog fouling, it is perhaps the largest single issue of complaint I personally receive. Even the responsible dog owners call for much stricter action against the irresponsible who blight their good name. Unfortunately, we are restricted by law in the level of fines we issue and in any case Council officers prefer to educate and direct rather than fine which is only undertaken as a last resort.
Dog Bye Laws are intended to assist the Council officers in carrying out their task in respect of dog control and will, as always, be implemented in a sensitive and caring manner. They are seen as additional weapons in the fight against dog fouling and nuisance.

 We hear bleating from irresponsible dog owner proclaiming that they pay their rates too. However the point is that we all pay our rates and should expect that we and our children can freely enjoy our public areas without constantly having to avoid dog mess and nuisance. No doubt the local criminal, child molester, mugger also pay their rates, is anyone suggesting that on that basis they should be free to engage in such activity? I think not. Responsible action is the key.

Recently I given a stark indication of the effect of dog nuisance, a resident stated they would move house due the dog fouling in their area. Others have stated how they are frightened to use the parks because of dogs bounding towards them, not knowing whither the animal will jump up or perhaps attack. One person stated that when a dog did jump up and mess their clothing the owner swore at them then approached, apparently that is what puppies do. An owner divorced from reality. Visit any park, especially in the evening, and you will see dogs being taken for a walk, we know exactly what is meant by walk.   

 We must decide what sort of Borough we want, clear of litter, graffiti and dog mess and other dog related annoyances such as barking dogs. To achieve this we must have the courage to stand up to those who work against the common interest. There is no point, for example, in spending large sums of money maintaining parks to a high standard and then allowing irresponsible elements to degrade the work to a point where the general population cannot freely enjoy the fruits of their hard earned rates contribution. Dog Section costs this Borough around £205,000 and that does not include clean up costs or the impact on tourism, licence fees currently under discussion must be raised to a point of full recovery of costs. Incidentally a Blue Flag award for our beaches is out of the question while dogs are allowed. 
Visitors to our Towns must see a reflection of the pride we personally take in the care of our Borough. They must be filled with a sense of community spirit and reflect to others when they return home of the cleanliness of this area and how the locals have taken responsible ownership of their town. Dog nuisance wont help to achieve this.

Pets as Therapy