Bauer-GriffinA council in England has decided to implement new measures to hit irresponsible dog owners where it will hurt most; their pockets.
Daventry District Council will now issue £100 on-the-spot fines to anyone walking their canine without carrying something to pick up its crap from public spaces. This rule will supposedly be applied regardless of whether your dog has done its business, or indeed if it already has and you’ve used up your supply.
If owners fail to pay the penalty within seven days they will then potentially be prosecuted, with fines rising up to £1000.
Twitter has been pretty divided in its response.
@GMB brilliant idea. But haven’t we just introduced a tax to rid plastic bags. An alternative? Biodegradable paper poo bags
— Ben Fogle (@Benfogle) October 6, 2015
@GMB @susannareid100 what about horse owners ie police for example.
— paul johnson (@welshmantom) October 6, 2015
@GMB this is double whammy getting charged by supermarkets 5p yesterday fined for not having them dog walking I have a Great Dane #help
— Jamie sharp (@jsharpy76) October 6, 2015
@Benfogle Rubbish idea, I always carry them, but sometimes on way home have used them all up. It happens. We are becoming more anti dog UK
— NewLife Greek Rescue (@JaneCalladine1) October 7, 2015
@GMB @susannareid100 omg what on earth is the government coming to looking at ways to claw money back Who’s going to check every dog walker?
— xxbubbaliciousxx (@Vickywoolsey) October 6, 2015
@GMB @susannareid100 It’s not whether they are carrying bags to clean up the mess. It is whether they use them
— Jon Worthy (@JonWorthy1) October 6, 2015
@GMB @susannareid100 What about cats crapping all over the place? I hear this is a big problem in peoples gardens on Hydethorpe Rd Balham
— spark1456 (@spark14567) October 6, 2015
@GMB @susannareid100 and also fine all those who take pleasure in throwing their litter on the floor!
— Phill Raddenbury (@phillradders) October 6, 2015
The council has already spoken out to defend the policy that will take effect as of December, with fines being levied as of the new year.
A spokesperson said:
These new powers are not intended to penalise the many responsible dog owners, who should be assured that our officers will be taking a common-sense approach on their patrols.
It’s not unreasonable though, for example, to expect someone who has just arrived at a venue to walk their dog to be carrying poop bags.”
Well at least supermarkets will have one demographic content to pay 5p for fresh plastic bags. I mean it is definitely one activity you definitely don’t want to be carrying a bag for life for.
