Dog walkers poo bag fines considered by council

Dog walkers could face fines for failing to carry poo bags, under new plans being considered by an East Sussex council.

Hastings Borough Council's cabinet will decide on Monday whether to extend the town's Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for three years.

As well as renewing current restrictions including ordering owners to keep dogs on leads on the promenade and clearing up dog fouling, cabinet will also be asked to add a new condition which would make it an offence "to not have a suitable means to remove dog faeces".

A report to the cabinet said the change would be seen as a preventative measure, and "should not be viewed as generating a large amount of fixed penalty notices".

The report added: "The objective is to ensure that a person in charge of a dog has the means to comply with the primary fouling offence - picking up and disposing of dog faeces."

Another change to the PSPO being considered would relax rules which ban dogs at Hastings Castle, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Currently no dogs are allowed on the site, but Troika Projects, which has been appointed to run and redevelop parts of the castle and West Hill site, has asked if this can be changed.

Exclusions in the PSPO cover anyone with a "reasonable excuse" to not follow the order, or anyone who is registered blind, deaf or has mobility issues and requires an assistance dog.

A spokesperson for Troika said: "Responsible dog owners are generally respectful of historical sites and, with dogs kept under control, any potential risks to the property, wildlife, or other visitors can be minimised through management.

"Adopting a dog-friendly policy would also enhance the castle's reputation as an inclusive and welcoming destination while enabling more people to enjoy its heritage and surroundings without having to make separate arrangements for their pets."

This would include the two seasonal dog exclusion areas on the beach, as well as restrictions on when dogs can be off leads in parks and gardens.

Both new measures saw support from the majority of respondents, when the council undertook a consultation in July.

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