DOG-owners who do not clean up after their pets could face immediate fines under proposals for new dog control laws.
Worthing Borough Council could replace current by-laws with Dog Control Orders by the end of the year, with offenders facing a fine of up to £1,000 or an immediate penalty if they are caught.
The orders will make it an offence to:
- Fail to remove dog faeces from land open to the public.
- Permit a dog to enter land from which dogs are excluded.
- Not keep a dog on a lead in a prescribed area or when directed to do so by an authorised officer.
- Take more than a specific number of dogs onto public land.
The penalty for committing an offence will be a fine up to a maximum of £1,000, although the opportunity to pay a fixed penalty may be offered in place of prosecution.
Public consultationThe council will soon begin a public consultation on the scheme.
Cabinet member for clean and green environment, Clive Roberts, said: "Although the majority of dog owners clean up after their pets and use the waste bins provided by the council, there is still a persistent anti-social minority who do not.
"There is absolutely no excuse for this totally selfish behaviour and our dog warden will adopt a 'zero tolerance' approach with offenders."
People can report incidents of dog fouling by calling 01903 221064.
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