Clean up after your DOG!

Darren Las and Miskin Primary Schools, in Mountain Ash have come together to ask dog owners to act responsibly and clean up after their dogs!

The teachers and parents at the school contacted the Council’s Streetcare and Enforcement team to see what can be done to crack down further on irresponsible dog owners who use the streets around the schools as their own personal dog waste bins.

This week the team visited the area to once again ensure that the message was displayed clearly, by stencilling the ‘NO DOG FOULING’ and ‘NO DOGS ON PITCHES’ messages at the school gates and the surrounding streets. The team have also increased their patrols in the area and will be keeping a close eye on those responsible. The Council has a dedicated online form where concerned people can provide details of regular offenders and where they like to go for their walkies – www.rctcbc.gov.uk/ReportDogFouling. This information is then used to catch them red handed!

Streetcare Enforcement staff will also be working extended hours to ensure irresponsible dog owners have nowhere to hide - even after dark!

Failing to clean up after your dog or breaching the Council’s Public Spaces and Protection Order (PSPO) could see dirty dog owners handed a £100 fine or could lead to court action and a much larger fine if they fail to pay the fine. Details could also be publicised on the Council's website and Social Media channels.

One of the key concerns of the Order (PSPO) which was first introduced SIX years ago in Rhondda Cynon Taf (October 2017), was dog fouling near to schools – because the fouling is often carried into the classroom on children’s shoes. Which isn’t only disgusting and delays teaching but could also have serious life-changing health consequences.

Councillor Ann Crimmings, Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure said:

“It is hoped that the messages will act as a reminder to clean up after your dog and to follow the rules in the PSPO. We have lots of responsible dog owners across RCT and we know that they won’t need any reminding – but there are still a few out there that may need a gentle, clear reminder to bag it and bin it and to not let their dogs walk on pitches, enter school grounds or play areas.

“If an irresponsible dog owner ignores these messages and is found breaching the rules of the PSPO we will take action and issue a £100 fine. The PSPO rules were introduced over SIX years ago after residents told the Council they wanted to see action taken to tackle irresponsible dog owners – including areas such as schools, play areas used by children and marked pitches where residents enjoy playing sports.

“The Council would rather see a clean County Borough and dog walkers acting responsibly rather than issue fines – which could have easily been avoided if we follow the clear messages, follow the rules and act responsibly – they are there to protect everyone who want to enjoy our beautiful County Borough.”

For more information on the dog fouling rules in Rhondda Cynon Taf visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/DogFouling.

Residents, schools and sports clubs can report dog fouling online at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/ReportDogFouling.

Find out where you can and can't walk your dog in Rhondda Cynon Taf at www.rctcbc.gov.uk/walkmydog.