Residents can have their say on order to tackle dog fouling in Swindon
An order, which aims to tackle irresponsible dog owners, is up for renewal and Swindon Borough Council would like to hear if local residents would like it extended.
Published: Monday, 4th July 2022
A borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced to prohibit dog fouling and to ban dogs (apart from assistance dogs) from enclosed children’s play areas.
Although the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, a minority still fail to pick up their pet’s faeces.
Dog fouling is a national issue which can lead to a number of unpleasant and dangerous effects, including potential health issues for small children.
It has been estimated that a single gram of dog waste can contain 23 million faecal coliform bacteria, which are known to cause cramps, diarrhoea, intestinal illness, and serious kidney disorders in humans. Additionally, dog faeces can cause Toxocariasis, which can lead to blindness.
Under the PSPO legislation, dog owners who are seen to allow their dog to foul will be given a chance to pick up after their pet before a fine is ordered. People who refuse to pick up after their dog will be served a Fixed Penalty Notice and their details noted. Repeat offenders could face prosecution.
Councillor Cathy Martyn, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Health Inequalities and Housing, said: “Dogs are not only fantastic pets, they are great companions, but owning a dog comes with great responsibility and that means taking care of them when they are outside and also thinking of others when you are out on a walk.
“Most dog owners in Swindon are caring, responsible individuals, yet we still find that a small number of people do not clean up after their pets. The PSPO is not about the Council making money, it is a preventative tool, which gives individuals the chance to pick up the mess before a fine is issued.
“We want Swindon to be a clean and nice place to live where the minority do not spoil it for the majority.”
The Council does not propose any changes to the previous order but is keen to hear the views of local stakeholders and the public via an online survey.
This consultation is currently open and will run for six weeks until 5pm on Monday, 15th August. All responses must be received by this time.
A downloadable summary of the previous PSPO is still available to view on the Council’s website.
A paper copy of the survey and the current PSPO are available on request. All queries should be directed to: dogwarden@swindon.gov.uk