As February gets into full stride and the wintry days start to lengthen, more people will be out and about on Teignbridge’s beautiful beaches.
And what these daylight or dusk strollers don’t want is to find heaps of dog mess on the shoreline.
That’s why Teignbridge District Council (TDC) is appealing to dog owners to make sure their pet pooch doesn’t poop on the pebbles – or the promenade.
If he or she does foul the beach, quickly pick it up and dispose of it carefully in the appropriate bins.
TDC’s Resort Supervisors have received an increasing number of complaints about dog mess on the beaches, especially at Teignmouth, and at this time of year, the problem cannot be blamed on tourists.
Carrot and stick:
So the council is using a carrot and stick approach to tackling the problem. The carrot is to ask nicely and remind responsible dog owners of the rules about dog fouling on beaches.
The stick for the minority of people who do not watch their dog and do not pick up after them is to make them aware that they currently face a likely fixed penalty fine of £100.
Stronger measures came into force on 1 April 2019, when TDC issued a Public Space Protection Order covering dog walking and dog fouling. This includes no dogs on beaches between 1 April and 30 September, on the spot fines and prosecution for persistent offenders.
Cllr Andrew MacGregor, who includes resorts as well as health and wellbeing in his responsibilities at TDC, said: “There really is no excuse for people to experience the unpleasant and unhealthy presence of dog mess on beaches – or in fact any other space where the public goes for exercise and leisure.
“We want to encourage all dog owners to take a responsible approach and ensure there is no dog mess on our beaches or promenades. It’s absolutely unacceptable that this disgusting habit should be on the increase.
Take it away:
“The majority of dog walkers take care to watch their animal, whether it’s on the lead or roaming free, and they come equipped to pick up the mess and take it away.
“My message to the inconsiderate few is that you are risking the health of young children in particular, not to mention the wrath of those who find their shoes and clothing soiled by your dog’s mess.
“Watch your dog at all times and make sure you pick up any mess that they make. If you are seen or reported, you could a face fixed penalty fine or prosecution, not to mention being named and shamed in a court hearing”.
Full details of TDC’s dog fouling policy can be found here:
https://www.teignbridge.gov.uk/environmental-health-and-wellbeing/dogs/dog-pspo/
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