Newark and Sherwood: Reckless pet owners will face consequences following surge in aggressive dog behaviour and fouling issues

Reckless pet owners are being warned they will face consequences after four dog owners were each fined £100 in a week for failing to clean up after their canine companions.

Newark and Sherwood District Council is cracking down on irresponsible pet ownership after the national lockdown has led to a surge in aggressive dog behaviour and fouling issues.

With residents being urged to stay local for their daily exercise under current restrictions, more people are getting out and about near to home.

However, this has led to the council receiving a growing number of complaints about dog fouling.

Officers have issued four fixed penalty notices in just one week for dog fouling incidents in Newark, Bildworth and Rainworth.

In another incident, dog needed vet treatment after an attack in a council-owned park.

In the incident, at Sconce and Devon Park, Newark, a lurcher called Scout, was approached by two other dogs not restrained on a lead. The two unrestrained dogs attacked Scout, causing a deep bite injury requiring treatment.

A district-wide Public Space Protection Order is in place to help the council tackle dog fouling and nuisance dog behaviour problems, as well as ensuring dogs are kept on leads.

Scout’s owner said: “It has left me extremely shaken up and fearful of going to any parks in the future, in particular Sconce. I incurred a significant vets bill and Scout is now more nervous when out for walks.

“At the time of the incident I was fearful for not only my dog’s safety but mine also. The owner of the dogs took no notice of my request that he control his dogs and he was also abusive to me.

“I feel that dog owners should be able to walk their dogs without fear of attack.”

Council leader David Lloyd said: “Under current lockdown restrictions, parks are one of the few places that people can still visit for daily exercise.

“However, the increased use of our parks has sadly led to a surge in displays of irresponsible dog ownership. Residents and their pets should be able to enjoy our parks safely, without fear of encountering dog mess or aggressive dog behaviour.

“Thankfully the vast majority of dog walkers continue to be very responsible, but I am asking residents to always report any issues like these to us, so that we can target our enforcement activities.

“We are stepping up our patrols in known hotspots over the next few weeks and will not hesitate to issue more fines to those found flouting the law.”

Dog mess is an eyesore as well as a health hazard. It can lead to toxocariasis in humans, which can cause serious illness and even blindness.