COMMUNITY
CANINE ETIQUETTE Amongst the negatives of the last year there have been some positives; one of which has been the addition of a new fourlegged friend to many homes and families, so Katie Chatfield of Mid Sussex District Council has written a gentle reminder about canine etiquette
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og ownership during the last year has skyrocketed with many families now enjoying the benefits of being dog owners. Along with the many benefits, there are negatives too; the most visible being dog fouling. Dog fouling is not just unpleasant to see, or step in, it’s also dangerous to humans, livestock and other dogs. It is every dog walker’s responsibility, to clean up after their pooch. Bagging and binning is always the best course of action. Mid Sussex District Council provides over 500 dog waste bins, all of which are emptied at least once a week. Alternatively, the bagged waste can be taken home and put in the household waste bin. There is nothing more unsightly than a bag of dog poo hanging from a tree or tossed into a hedge. Please bag it and bin it to help keep our outside spaces clean and tidy. Under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 Mid Sussex District Council has created several dog control orders, which include; Fouling of Land by Dogs Order – for failing to pick up dog faeces
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The Dog on Leads by Direction Order – for failing to put a dog on a lead under the direction of an authorised officer The Dogs Exclusion Order – for permitting a dog to enter land from which it is excluded The Dogs (Specified Maximum) Order – for taking more
There is nothing more unsightly than a bag of dog poo hanging from a tree or tossed into a hedge
than a specified number of six dogs onto land Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog, or comply with one of the orders, can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £75. The law states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse. Mid Sussex District Council Countryside Rangers regularly patrol the local communities with the aim of reducing dog fouling and encouraging a more positive canine etiquette. Details of all dog control orders can be found on the Council website www. midsussex.gov.uk/environment/dogs/ public-spaces-protection-orders-pspo Dog walkers who spot an overfull dog waste bin should contact the council waste team online, making a note of the dog waste bin number. Dogs bring so many positive things to their owner’s lives; unconditional love, a willing listener, a loyal companion, and stress reduction. Don’t let them down by failing to clear up after them. So please remember those dog bags, and remember to bag and bin it, and help to keep our communities clean and safe. l For further information Countryside Rangers: rangers@midsussex.gov.uk Missed dog waste bin: www.midsussex.gov.uk/waste-recycling/ Website information: www.midsussex.gov.uk/environment/dogs
