Cardiff Council and South Wales Police have joined forces to tackle dog waste on our streets and parks.
In a move that will see Police Constable Support Officers (PCSO) trained to enforce the law and issue fixed penalty notices (FPNs) for this highly anti-social offence, the Council and Police will have a greatly enhanced number of personnel able to deal directly with offenders.
PCSOs have been authorised to issue FPNs for dog fouling since 2009. They have now received special training and fixed penalty booklets to start a concerted drive against this messy and hazardous behaviour.
Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Ashley Govier said, “Dog fouling is a national problem that all local authorities are trying to deal with. It is a difficult offence to prosecute as clearly you can’t follow every dog owner or dog. However, our partnership with South Wales Police has meant around 35 extra officers are now able to enforce the 2009 law alongside our existing enforcement teams thereby increasing the resources available to tackle this foul problem in communities without increasing public expenditure.”
The officers took part in a training session on Wednesday 14th November at County Hall, were issued with their fixed penalty notice books and are now ready to enforce the law on this offence out of Roath Police Station covering Roath, Plasnewydd, Cathays and Splott.
Pc Tony Parker, from the Community Safety Department of South Wales Police, said: “Many dog owners act responsibly but unfortunately many do not and the evidence can be seen left behind on our pavements and in our parks and playgrounds which create a health risk, spoils enjoyment and causes difficulties for those who clean these areas.
“Dog fouling is a common concern voiced by residents at Pact meetings and surgeries and we are also regularly contacted by councillors about the problem.
“We hope this will be deterrent and make dog owners act more responsibly and clear away their dogs’ mess.”
Cllr Govier added, “This administration has made it clear from the start that we will not tolerate littering and the leaving of dog waste in our communities. It is a concern that is raised time and time again by residents and we are exploring all options to address this perennial problem. This excellent partnership with South Wales Police shows we are serious about making a difference to the quality of peoples’ lives but we also want those who continue to make a mess in our city realise their behaviour is unacceptable and they will be punished if caught.”
