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More dog fouling enforcement patrols could soon be operating in the Upper Rhymney Valley after an increase in the number of complaints.
Dog fouling enforcement patrols could be increased in areas such as Rhymney after a ‘higher than normal’ number of complaints have been received, according to Labour Councillor Carl Cuss.
Cllr Cuss, who represents Twyn Carno, said: “I have received higher than normal phone calls concerning the [number] of people allowing their dogs to foul.
“I have been in touch with the council to ask for more enforcement patrols in the area and possibly more bins so there’s no excuse for this. I totally understand people’s frustration and I have raised it with the appropriate department.”
Certain places in Rhymney have been highlighted by residents on a Facebook post shared by Cllr Cuss, including Goshen Street, Alexandra Place and the river walk.
What are the rules relating to dogs in Caerphilly County Borough?
On March 1 2022 a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) came into force across Caerphilly County Borough.
A PSPO is a provision, created by the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, which gives authorities and police additional powers to deal with antisocial behaviour.
The PSPO approved by Caerphilly County Borough Council in relation to dogs includes six offences:
- Excluding dogs from all enclosed children’s play and multi-use games areas
- Requiring dogs to be kept on leads in enclosed memorial gardens
- Requiring dog owners to remove dog faeces in public places
- Requiring dog owners to carry an appropriate receptacle for dealing with the waste that their dogs produce (that is to always have the means to pick their dog faeces) Report dog fouling
- Requiring dog owners to put their dogs on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer on any public land where the dog is considered to be out of control or causing harm or distress to prevent a nuisance.
- Excluding dogs from marked playing pitches/areas
There are exemptions to the PSPO meaning that a registered blind person, or a person with a disability affecting their mobility, manual dexterity or ability to lift, carry or move everyday objects and who relies upon a dog trained by a prescribed charity for assistance is exempt from the dog fouling order.
Cllr Mansel Powell, who represents Moriah and Pontlottyn, also commented on the post and added: “I have also had complaints about dog fouling in the cemeteries in both Rhymney and Brithdir.”
According to information provided by Caerphilly County Borough Council: “It is an offence to allow your dog to foul public land without ‘picking up’. If you are caught not ‘picking up’, you will be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £100. Non-payment of this notice could result in a prosecution where magistrates can fine up to £1,000.”
You can report dog fouling on the council’s website or by calling 01443 866544.
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