Primary school pupils have produced artwork to accompany the launch of new dog fouling sanctions.
In September, the authority green-lit new measures as part of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at tackling irresponsible dog owners and cracking down on dog fouling across the borough.
Pupils from Ystrad Mynach Primary School joined Caerphilly County Borough Council in launching its Enough is Enough environmental campaign at Ystrad Mynach Park.
Headteacher Jonathan Lloyd said: “We teach our learners from a very early age about the importance of behaving responsibly when it comes to the environment, and we are very pleased as a school to support this very important campaign.”
From Tuesday, November 14, any dog owner who is found not complying with the PSPO can be issued with a £100 fixed penalty notice.
Restrictions include requiring dogs to be kept on leads in memorial gardens, ensuring that out-of-control dogs are put on a lead when directed by an authorised officer, and requiring owners to pick up dog faeces on any public land and carry appropriate means to do so.
Pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg Cwm Gwyddon in Abercarn also produced artwork which has been transformed into large banners and placed around the borough to encourage dog owners to act responsibly.
Cabinet Member for the Environment and Public Protection, Cllr Eluned Stenner said: “We know that the majority of our residents who own dogs act responsibly, but the fact remains that there are a small minority who are not responsible owners – and to those people we say ‘Enough is Enough’.
“The implementation of this Public Spaces Protection Order will provide additional powers and enhance our ability to enforce against irresponsible dog owners, and I’m sure these additional measures will be welcomed by our residents.”
PSPOs help deal with nuisances or problems in a defined area which are detrimental to a local community’s quality of life. They can provide councils and police with additional powers to tackle anti-social behaviour by restricting the use of an area.
To report instances or offenders of dog fouling in Caerphilly County Borough, visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk/streetpride or call 01443 866566.
I see South Wales Police have used these PSPO powers recently to tackle aggressive beggars and street drinkers and other Antisocial behaviour in Cardiff City Centre – so presumably Gwent Police have these same powers ? – but appear not to be using them ?
If the police do have the right to do this why arent they and surely, they are better off with this law than the council wardens and litter officers. It also begs the question why arent they using them. Probably too busy on their phone.