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STAY OFF SPORTS PITCHES OR FACE A FINE!

TWO irresponsible dog owners have received combined fines and costs of over £500 from court for allowing their dogs to roam on sports pitches.

The owners were caught RED HANDED by the Council's Enforcement Officers allowing their dogs to roam freely in the restricted areas. One owner even allowed her dog to foul in the area and didn't pick it up!

Dog fouling is a disgusting blight on Rhondda Cynon Taf and has serious health consequences for those using the areas.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council introduced stricter measures to tackle dog fouling on sports pitches FIVE years ago with a Public Spaces and Protection Order (PSPO)

Even when dog fouling is removed from a sports pitch, remnants will remain on the grass and soil. This is disgusting and could have serious life-changing health consequences, as some unlucky people have discovered, including young football players.

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

An Abercwmboi woman allowed her dog to roam on a sports pitch, where it was free to foul and failed to pick it up. The woman received a Fine of £100, Costs of £120 and a Victim Surcharge of £34 – a total of £254.

The second owner, a man from Talbot Green, allowed the dog he was in charge of go onto a restricted area at Talbot Green Recreation Ground. The man received a Fine of £220, Costs of £120 and a Victim Surcharge of £34 – a total of £374.

The message from the Council is clear. If an Enforcement Officer finds an irresponsible dog owner breaching the rules of the strict Public Spaces and Protection Order, a £100 fine will be issued.

Failure to pay this could lead to court action and a much larger fine, which these dirty dog owners have discovered to their costs. Details could also be publicised on the Council's website and Social Media channels.

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

The Council is asking sports clubs to report any issues 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:

"Our sports pitches and restricted areas are important in our communities and are used by all ages throughout the day and evenings.

Many dog owners don't realise the consequences of allowing their dogs on these areas, the health implications caused by dog fouling can be life limiting. I'm sure many of our loving dog owners wouldn't be able to live with themselves if a child's life was changed forever because of their dog.

"We know most dog owners are responsible, but some 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 and has serious health implications for the community. We must do all we can to eradicate this problem.

"Many sports clubs have to spend hours ahead of their games cleaning their pitches to protect their players because a lazy dog owner can't follow the rules.

"We would rather see a County Borough full of responsible dog owners rather than issue fines, which could easily be avoided if we all follow the clear messages, follow the rules and act responsibly. The rules protect everyone who wants 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 30/11/2022