Extra dog enforcement patrols thanks to funding

Harborough District Council’s Executive sub-committee agreed on 26 January 2017 that an additional £15,000 should be invested in dog enforcement for local parishes.

The funding will come from the New Homes Bonus funding stream made available for community projects when new houses are built within the district.

If the year-long dog enforcement pilot scheme is successful, the council said it would invite parishes to contribute to maintaining the service for future years.

Cllr Michael Rickman, the council’s portfolio holder for wellbeing and localities, said: “Dog fouling was raised as a concern at the recent Annual Parish Liaison meeting so we are delighted to be able to invest some funding into a trial initiative to tackle problems in rural areas. If this proves successful and is embraced I hope parishes will opt to help continue the enforcement in the future.”

It is hoped the extra enforcement – including evenings and weekends – will target irresponsible dog walkers who are not picking up after their pets, as well as directing them to put their dog on a lead if it’s proving a nuisance.

Failure to comply would result in a fine of £100 or £1,000 if prosecuted.

Councillors also agreed to explore the idea for a Dog Watch Scheme with volunteers serving as the “eyes and ears on the streets” to help crackdown on culprits blighting areas.