Be a responsible pet owner

Dog-owners in Hertsmere are being reminded to be responsible pet owners, or be faced with a fine.

As part of Hertsmere Borough Council’s Pride in Hertsmere campaign, the council is set to extend the issuing of fixed penalty notices from littering (which was introduced in February) to include dog fouling.

Cllr Jean Heywood, Environment portfolio holder, explained: "We asked residents what they thought about issuing fixed penalty notices for certain offences and dog fouling certainly got support. We hope that the thought of getting a £75 fine will encourage people to take responsibility for their pets and clean up after them to enhance the environment overall."

In addition to issuing fines for dog fouling, new control orders are also being introduced to keep dogs out of the council’s gated play areas in our parks, and owners could be fined if they don’t keep their dog on a lead if asked to do so by an authorised council officer.

“As a nation of animal-lovers we do want our residents to be out and about in the borough enjoying our parks and open spaces," continued Cllr Heywood. "However we also want other visitors to enjoy the spaces without treading in dog mess, or being worried by an unruly pet so we hope this course of action will be of benefit to everyone."

Notices outlining the proposals have now been published and you can make comments on them until 28 June by writing to:

Hertsmere Borough Council
Civic Offices
Elstree Way
Borehamwood
Herts
WD6 1WA

The fines for these issues will come into effect on 1 August 2010.