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RED Card for IRRESPONSIBLE Dog Owners

A man from Pontypridd has been given a red card and a hefty fine from court for allowing his dog to roam in a restricted area of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd.

The man who felt that there was no issue in letting his dog run free on the multi-use sports pitch, in the busy park walked home from court with a £374 BILL, which included a Fine £240, £120 Costs and a Victim Surcharge £34.

One of the key concerns of the strict Public Spaces and Protection Order (PSPO), which were introduced FIVE years ago in Rhondda Cynon Taf (October 2017), was dog fouling on sports fields – because even if the fouling is picked up, remnants of it will remain on the grass and soil, which is not only disgusting but could also have serious life-changing health consequences, as a number of unlucky people have discovered.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council takes a ZERO tolerance approach to dog fouling and irresponsible dog owners! The Council was the first Council to introduce its strict rules in terms of dog controls and as this latest case highlights, its hard work continues as the enforcement team will ALWAYS take action and hold them to account.

As the football, rugby and sports clubs across the County Borough have now kicked off their new autumn/winter seasons, the Council is once again increasing its patrols across the County Borough and will be focusing its efforts on these key community locations. In addition to the Council’s Streetcare Enforcement Officers, the new Community Wardens will also be on the lookout for environmental offences – including dog fouling, and not following the ban on dogs from children’s play areas and marked sports pitches and WILL issue fines when needed.

In June, RCT Council’s Cabinet agreed to employ a new team of Community Wardens. The new Community Wardens will provide a high-profile, reassuring presence in communities to tackle anti-social behaviour, focusing on key locations like town centres and parks. Their primary duty is to reassure residents and the wider local community by creating a safer, more pleasant environment. The wardens will work extended hours to enforcement officers and will ensure that irresponsible dog owners, will have no where to hide after dark!

The message to irresponsible dog owners is simple ‘NO DOG FOULING’ and ‘NO DOGS ON PITCHES’ and these messages have been painted in bright yellow on the ground of streets, roads, pitches and key dog walking hot spots, so the message is there CLEAR for everyone to see.

The message from the Council is clear - if an irresponsible dog owner is found breaching the rules of the PSPO by an Enforcement Officer, the Council will take action and issue a £100 FPN.

Failure to pay this, could lead to court action being taken and a much larger fine, which this man has discovered to his cost. Details could also be publicised on the Council's website and Social Media channels.

The Council is also asking sports clubs to come forward and report any issues that they are having and report dog fouling on pitches online at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/ReportDogFouling so that we can support them and work together for the safety of the players.

Councillor Ann Crimmings, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure said:

“The vast majority of dog owners are responsible but unfortunately some dog owners don’t seem to realise that failing to clear up after their dog’s mess in public places is illegal. It’s a dirty eyesore on our County Borough as well as having serious health implications for the community and we must do all we can to eradicate this problem

“After receiving complaints from local residents and seeing the problem for myself in some areas, the Community Wardens and Enforcement team will now join forces to further increase their presence to tackle the issue that is having a big impact on our sports pitches at a vital time. Many clubs were massively effected by Covid-19 and don’t want to see their fixtures disrupted, because a lazy dog owner, cant follow the rules.

“We are very fortunate to have such a pro-active and enthusiastic Streetcare Team who remain committed to using innovative schemes and initiatives to combat these blights on our towns and villages.

“It is hoped that the latest campaign messages will act as a gentle reminder to clean up after your dog - bag it and bin it and to not let their dogs walk on pitches.

"In 2020 the PSPO rules were extended due to their success and we will continue to use this order to tackle irresponsible dog owners – including on areas such as play areas used by children and marked pitches where residents enjoy playing sports.

“The Council would rather see a clean County Borough and dog walkers acting responsibly rather than issue fines – which could easily be avoided if we all follow the clear messages, follow the rules and act responsibly – they are there to protect everyone who want to enjoy our beautiful County Borough.”

For more information on the dog fouling rules in Rhondda Cynon Taf visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/DogFouling.

Find out where you can and can't walk your dog in Rhondda Cynon Taf at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/walkmydog.

Posted on 03/11/2022