Litter and dog patrols to be given more power
Arun District Council is strengthening its tough stance on littering and dog fouling in the district.
From 15 May 2018, enforcement officers who currently issue on-the-spot fines for littering and dog fouling offences across Arun are to be given powers to enforce dog controls too.
This means that officers will have the power to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for contravention of dogs on leads orders, dog exclusion orders and failure to put a dog on a lead when requested to do so by an authorised officer.
The expansion of the contract Arun District Council has with East Hants District Council is in order to clamp down on these offences, which are frequently reported by frustrated members of the public.
Fines are also set to increase. As of 15 May, the fine for dog fouling will increase to £100 (reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days). Fines for dogs on leads offences and dog exclusion offences will both also be £100 (reduced to £75 if paid within 14 days). The fine for littering offences will be £80 (reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days).
Councillor Stephen Haymes, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Technical Services, said: “The enforcement of littering and dog fouling offences started off as a one-year trial, but was extended because it was really showing results.
“The Council has now decided to increase the powers of the officers to include dog control offences. One of the reasons for this is because information we’ve received shows that when dogs are off leads in prohibited areas, a fouling offence is more likely to be committed.
“Our residents are very keen that we clamp down on the minority who spoil our public spaces for everyone and we’ve listened to their concerns.”
The Council would like dog owners to note that there are seasonal dog controls in some coastal areas. Between 1 May and 30 September, dogs must be on leads in the main seafront promenade areas of Littlehampton, Felpham and Bognor Regis. Dogs are excluded from these areas of beach during this period.
For full details of dog exclusion areas, dogs on leads at all times, dogs on leads by direction, please visit https://www.arun.gov.uk/dog-control