Dog owners who let their pets foul Birmingham’s pavements and parks could soon face fines of up to £75 under new powers being adopted by city councillors.
New control orders will also tackle owners of ‘latch key’ dogs – those let out on their own – and limit owners to walking a maximum of four pooches at a time.
Members of Birmingham City Council’s licensing committee have unanimously agreed to take on the new powers saying they are fed-up with complaints from residents over dog fouling and aggressive dogs.
Chairwoman Barbara Dring (Lab, Oscott) said: “There are few things which upset residents more than dog mess in the street or on playing fields. It is also a health hazard.
“Many dog owners are responsible, but anything we can do to make those irresponsible ones stop is welcomed.”
Under current rules a £50 fine can be issued, but enforcement powers are limited – wardens cannot demand dogs are removed from children’s playgrounds.
The proposed dog control orders will not only make fouling on the pavement an offence, but also cover school fields, parks and children’s playgrounds. It will also become an offence for an owner not to give their name and address to a warden.
During 2012 the council received 1,042 complaints about dog mess and a further 3,108 requests for help to deal with stray dogs. According to official surveys the issue is a ‘big problem’ for a quarter of residents.
There are also problems with dogs routinely let out without a lead - one unnamed owner has had his dog seized and impounded 49 times, despite having to pay a £25 fee to have it returned.
Council animal welfare officer Vikki Allwood said: “This particular dog owner is difficult to deal with and now refuses to pay the statutory claim fee.”
The limit on the number of dogs being walked at a time is aimed at professional walking services.
The new powers are backed by police, the RSPCA, the Dogs Trust and Birmingham Dogs Home. Funding is now being sought for a public consultation over the dog control orders.
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