Newport's 'zero tolerance' for dog mess (From South Wales Argus)
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Newport's 'zero tolerance' for dog mess
11:50am Monday 20th August 2012 in Gwent news
By Natalie Crockett
DOG owners in Newport will be fined £75 if they are caught failing to clear up their pet’s mess.
Previously pet owners may have received a warning or advice from community safety wardens or dog wardens in place of a fine.
But now the city council says anyone found to be committing the crime will be fined.
Councillor Gail Giles, cabinet member for licensing and statutory functions, said she and many of her colleagues get lots of complaints about the issue.
She said not only its dog mess unpleasant, it can also be a serious health hazard, especially to children – the biggest worry being toxicariasis, which can lead to blindness.
She said: "I know the majority of dog owners in the city are responsible and do "bag it and bin it".
"However, we will not tolerate the selfish few who don’t or won’t take the simple step of picking up after their pets."
Those who refuse to pay the fixed penalty notice will be taken to court.
In one recent case, a woman who failed to pay was summoned to magistrates’ court where she was found guilty in her absence.
She was fined £120, ordered to pay £77.50 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.
As well as the regular patrols, the authority is calling on the public to report anyone they know who regularly commits the offence.
They will be asked to give a description of the dog owner and information about where and at what the time of days it happens. This can be done anonymously.
Wardens will then visit those places in a bid to catch the culprit.
E-mail info@newport.gov.uk or call 01633 656656.
Comments(16)
Adrian Williams
says...
12:03pm Mon 20 Aug 12
rhinestine
says...
12:17pm Mon 20 Aug 12
The only law they seem to enforce is the traffic laws, you can get a ticket through the post with a fine and points on your license for doing 35 in 30 zone, no immediate danger to anyone, not defacing, urinating, or swearing at any property or persons, but you still get a hefty fine, and why?
AS IT'S EASY FOR THEM!!!
Britain is a disgrace, Newport is a bigger disgrace!!!
Cymru Am Beth
says...
12:20pm Mon 20 Aug 12
I absolutely hate this, nearly stepped in a pile in the middle of the footpath in Caerleon Road on Saturday.
Summerhill Avenue is littered with it.
When you walk around it seems to be a majority of people allowing their dogs to foul, not a minority as suggested.
Let's hope the Council will carry this out.
NakedDancer
says...
1:24pm Mon 20 Aug 12
a) training for dog owners/dogs
b) proof that the house is big enough to home a dog and with a sizeable garden.
Those 2 checks would eliminate the vast majority of irresponsible owners who own dogs for their own selfish reasons and not in the dogs best interest.
james.dyer7@ntlworld.com
says...
1:29pm Mon 20 Aug 12
Also you can't stop a dog crapping. it just needs to be picked-up by owner.
robertce
says...
3:43pm Mon 20 Aug 12
Welshman76
says...
5:59pm Mon 20 Aug 12
Cymru Am Beth
says...
8:16am Tue 21 Aug 12
As a proud Welsh person, I would love to see Newport have a positive image.
However, it doesn't have one and judging by comments in the English papers, it is considered a dump.
It is still a dump, whether there are worse places is irrelevant I feel.
Let us hope that this project and the regeneration of the centre of Newport goes ahead, so that a positive image of our City is presented.
rhinestine
says...
8:49am Tue 21 Aug 12
Welshman76 wrote:You could not be further from your assumption!! lol!!!
Rhinestone - there are plenty of roads out of Newport if you dislike the place so much and plenty of ports/airports if you dislike Britain so much! Or just try getting elected into office if you think you can do a better job. I'm guessing that you will still be in the same area this time next year as I doubt you will move on. There are many places in the world better than Newport but there are also many places worse!!
Yes, I could do a better job! but this country is so PC, I would not be allowed to do what is needed, as people like you would object no doubt!
Howie'
says...
10:02am Tue 21 Aug 12
rhinestine wrote:Ah, that old chestnut...So what would you like to do that so called 'PC' would stop?
Welshman76 wrote:You could not be further from your assumption!! lol!!!
Rhinestone - there are plenty of roads out of Newport if you dislike the place so much and plenty of ports/airports if you dislike Britain so much! Or just try getting elected into office if you think you can do a better job. I'm guessing that you will still be in the same area this time next year as I doubt you will move on. There are many places in the world better than Newport but there are also many places worse!!
Yes, I could do a better job! but this country is so PC, I would not be allowed to do what is needed, as people like you would object no doubt!
gordelpus
says...
8:06pm Fri 24 Aug 12
Alternatively, I can stick to my current strategy which is, in essence, to live and raise my kids in a place where normal people.
I have lately been thinking about getting a pit bull and letting it crap everywhere so that my nieghbours can tread in it and walk it through their houses. This seems to be perfectly acceptable, if not the social norm in the Port.
If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for me.
Any advice on reputable local breeders welcome.
digispamman
says...
8:37pm Fri 24 Aug 12
Dolieboy
says...
9:41pm Sat 25 Aug 12
chris227
says...
10:32am Sun 26 Aug 12
Carrot's
says...
11:00am Sun 26 Aug 12
First an exclaimation that it is a disgrace, then a diatribe about what a bunch of wasters/idiots the perpetrators are- often alluding to this being the result of our immigration policy; allowing you to move on to blame the government and Newport council in particlular. If blame for the immigrants can be shoehorned in its a winner. Finally we are usually treated with a signoff on the state of the nation. (Broken).
When challenged - you come back with excuses why you cant get involved (not PC enough). As JM once said - 'Put up or shut up'. This is actually a great country and I'm fed up with the Rynestines of this world who constantly run it down.
james.dyer7@ntlworld.com says...
11:59am Mon 20 Aug 12