Stratton Parish Council has been informed of several instances of dog fouling in the village, where dog faeces have been ‘deposited’ and not removed. This has particularly occurred in areas that are private, but accessible, and where children play. This is thoroughly disagreeable as well as being against the law; dog faeces can carry diseases such as toxocariasis which has been known to cause blindness, especially in young children.
Stratton Parish Council would like to remind dog owners that The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 applies dog fouling laws to all land in West Dorset. It is an offence punishable with a fine not exceeding level three (currently £1,000) for a person in charge of a dog not to clean up when the dog has (without the landowner’s consent) fouled land and the owner has not removed the faeces. This includes land in the open air, covered land which is open to the air on at least one side, and all land to which the public have access (with or without payment). By law, a dog should wear a collar with a tag bearing the owner’s name and address. It is advised that consideration is given to include an up to date mobile phone number. From 6 April 2016 it is compulsory for all dogs to have a microchip fitted with their owner’s details.
Whilst it is appreciated that most dog owners are responsible, those who are not and do not clean up after their pets are causing offence to our residents and a health risk to our children.
PLEASE BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER!