Council set to trial dog fouling and littering enforcement initiative

A crackdown on dog fouling and littering in Exeter could soon be brought in, the City Council has revealed.

The City Council is looking at ramping up its enforcement of dog fouling and littering across Exeter as part of a 12-month pilot project. Offenders would be issued with fixed penalty fines.

The initiative was given backing by the Council’s Executive last night and now goes before Full Council on Wednesday 19 July.

Cllr Stephen Brimble, Lead Councillor for Place, said that dog fouling was one of the biggest issues brought to the attention of councillors in the city.

“People are fed up with a small minority of dog owners that don’t pick up. The majority of people in Exeter pick up after their pets but the actions of a small percentage of people have a dramatic effect on the lives of everyone else,” he said.

“To be confronted by dog mess walked into a pavement, on a verge or playing field is not only unpleasant but also a health hazard which can cause long-term effects such as toxicaris which can lead to blindness.”

Since June 2014 a small team of five officers has been providing enforcement for the Council. However their responsibilities are wide and also cover things such as the collection of stray dogs, parking enforcement and the removal of tents from Council land.

“Having a more pronounced focus on the enforcement of dog fouling and littering would allow us to tackle these anti-social problems head on and make a significant difference to the quality of life in Exeter,” said Cllr Brimble.

The Council would be looking at an initial campaign of education and awareness before any enforcement is carried out, knowing that changing people’s habits is the ultimate aim.