A council could become the first in the country to fine dog walkers who can’t prove they have the means to clean up after their pet.
Daventry District Council is considering introducing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to make it an offence for dog walkers not to carry a poop bag or other means of clearing up after their animal.
Maria Taylor, Community Manager at Daventry District Council, said: ‘If agreed, the new order would give our Officers greater powers to catch the irresponsible minority of dog owners who go out with no intention of picking up after their pets.
‘We believe we are the first council in the country to consider the introduction of such an offence. We are committed to tackling the issue of dog fouling and want to gain the public’s views on the matter before making a decision on whether these are the best ways.’
If approved, the new powers would be in addition to existing offences such as failing to pick up after their dog and failing to put their dog on a lead when directed to do so by a council officer.
