South Holland has ‘hardly any’ safe dog walking areas says Spalding councillor in debate on proposed new fines

New rules which could see dog owners fined £100 for not picking up their pets or even carrying a bag could come into force in the winter - as residents call for more suitable places to exercise their animals.

South Holland District Council is running a consultation on whether to bring in a new Public Spaces Protection Order which aims to clamp down on the irresponsible owners who do not pick up after their pets after receiving a number of complaints.

The district-wide order - which could come into force in February - will also prevent dogs from going into enclosed children’s play areas along with making it an offence not to pick up dog poo or carry an appropriate means. Offenders could be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice.

One dog walker said they would use their sock to pick up the poop after being tackled by Coun Jan Whitbourn, who shared the story with the recent Policy Development Panel meeting last night (Tuesday, September 24) when the lack of safe off-lead walking areas was raised by Coun Rob Gibson.

The Spalding St Paul’s ward member, who also questioned the reasoning behind stopping parents from taking dogs into play areas, said: “I get quite a lot of complaints from residents about the lack of off-lead walking areas in South Holland - there are hardly any.

“People used to bring their dogs to the tennis courts at Ayscoughfee and close the door and you would see dogs chasing after tennis balls. Since we have had done a fantastic job in upgrading the courts, people can’t do that.

“We seem to lack places for good responsible dog owners.”

His comments were echoed by Coun James Le Sage who said that he had contacted assets portfolio holder Henry Bingham, about providing an area, possibly in Ayscoughfee.

He said: “I have had a number of people contact me about safe dog walking areas.”

The council launched a consultation on the proposal in August and it will run until October 8 but so far there is overwhelming support for the proposals.

A total of 94.8% of those who responded support making it an offence to not to pick up after a pet with 82.6% backing plans to prevent dogs going into play areas.

And 88% agree with making in an offence to not carry poo bags.

Coun Whitbourn, who represents Spalding Wygate, expressed concerns that dog walkers are not aware of the rules or the consultation.

She said: “I have spoken to a lot of people and not one person knew what I was talking about. I said ‘if you haven’t got a bag you are not going to pick it up’.

“One woman said ‘I will put it my sock’. I’m not sure how that will go down. So many people have no idea.”

Holbeach councillor Nanette Chapman called for signs to be posted around green spaces as those are hot spots for dog mess in her ward.

Coun Margaret Geaney questioned how the new rules would be enforced and asked if fines could be issued if members of the public supplied footage or photographs of incidents. She was told that it would depend on the circumstances and if the owner could be identified.

Committee chairman Coun Andrew Woolf asked about the contract arrangements for the enforcement officers and how people would report problem areas.

The PSPO proposal is due to go before the November cabinet meeting with the hopes of bringing it into force in February.

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