Fines for fouling

Dog owners please be warned, you will have to pay if you don't pick up your pet's poo!

From 1 August you can be fined £75 if you don't clear up after your dog.  You can also be fined if you don’t keep your dog out of play areas and other specified places and if you don't put your dog on a lead if asked to do so by an authorised council officer or Police Community Support Officer (PCSO).

The fines have been brought in to help improve the local environment for everyone and encourage people to take pride in Hertsmere.  Fines for dropping litter, including chewing gum and cigarette butts, were introduced earlier in the year.

Fines need to be paid within 14 days but it reduces to £50 if it's paid within 10 days.

Councillor Jean Heywood, Environment Portfolio Holder, said: "I'm sure the majority of dog walkers pick up after their pets but there are a few who don't so we hope the fines will encourage everyone to be responsible.

"We also want owners to keep unruly pets under control but this does not mean all dogs have to be kept on a lead.  We just want our parks, pavements and play areas to be clean and safe for the benefit of everyone using them."

For more information please call 020 8207 7435 or why not drop by one of our road shows:

• Friday 30 July - outside Superdrug, Shenley Road, Borehamwood, 11am to 2pm
• Monday 2 August - The Moatfield, Bushey, 12pm to 3pm (National play day event)
• Wednesday 4 August - Oakmere Park, Potters Bar, 12pm to 3pm (National play day event)
• Friday 6 August - Aberford Park, Borehamwood, 12pm to 3pm (National play day event)