Community protection experts have warned dog owners to do this one thing before taking their dog out for a walk, or risk £100 on the spot fine Millions of dog owners across the UK routinely walk their four-legged friends through parks and nature reserves each day, but a new change in regulations means failing to know this one little thing could cost them up to £100 each.
Community enforcement experts at Kingdom Local Authority Support (LAS) are urging dog owners to ensure they take at least two dog poo bags each time they go out to walk their dog.This comes after a rise in Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) being put in place across the country. The new regulations would make it a legal requirement for owners to clean up after their dogs and make them liable to be asked for proof of poo bags if asked by council officials or enforcement officers.
This could mean failing to provide evidence of a poo bag while walking your four-legged friend in a public space could see you given a £100 fixed penalty notice (FPN) on the spot.Research undertaken by pet insurance companyPetplanfound that from 2017 to 2021, there were over 88,000 incidents of dog fouling, although the true number is likely higher.
John Roberts, Chief Operating Officer at Kingdom Local Authority Support (LAS), said: “Given these new rules are being increasingly adopted by councils across the country – our advice, at Kingdom, is to bring at least two bags on each dog walk.Unfortunately, there are a portion of people who intentionally and repeatedly breach these rules. We want people to be aware a PSPO could have been brought into their local area, and a breach of these rules would constitute an immediate FPN of up to £100.
“To not get caught out, we’d advise bringing at least two to avoid receiving a fine, even if you’re just out for a short walk. It’s important people think and ensure they are being responsible. Your dog’s waste is your responsibility and will be recognised as such by enforcement officers.”
Kingdom has officers stationed across the UK to support local councils and the public. These officers play a role in enforcing PSPOs and encouraging responsible behaviour.
“At Kingdom, it is our officer’s job to help and inform the public where possible,” said John. “Their role isn’t just to enforce regulations but assist anyone who may be unclear or just uncertain about how to best dispose of their pet’s waste. Our aim is make sure our communities are safer, cleaner and better for everyone to enjoy all year round.”
Kingdom LAS’s officers operate in cities including parts of Greater London, Derby, Newcastle, Boston and Northampton, providing a visible presence to deter littering, fly-tipping, and other forms of antisocial behaviour.