Dog wardens to tackle problem pet owners and litter bugs

Dog wardens will be operating across the Arun district

After the success of last year’s pilot scheme, uniformed patrols are set to return to Arun to issue fines to anyone letting their dog foul.

Kingdom Security will again be targeting ‘hotspots’ on behalf of Arun District Council, including parks, open spaces, and promenades where dog fouling breaches of Arun’s dog control order.

Those who litter will also be targeted.

The initial pilot scheme was launched last summer in response to complaints from the public who were fed up with the amount of dog mess and litter in the district.

The patrolling officer is fully authorised to issue fixed penalty notices of £80, reduced to £50 on early payment, on behalf of the council to anyone not clearing up after their dog, breaching Arun’s dog control order and to anyone caught dropping litter.

Councillor Terence Chapman, Arun District Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “After the success of last year’s pilot project, we are responding to the wishes of many Arun residents who want to see it in operation again this summer.

“The project allows the Council the flexibility to direct patrols, following information provided by the public on problem sites for which we are responsible. The presence of the uniformed patrols will send a clear message to irresponsible owners – pick up after your dog and keep it under control in public places, or face a fine. This also applies to anyone caught dropping litter.”

The council is talking with three parishes which are interested in investing money in the project, in return for having patrols in their areas. Funding for the scheme has come from the Council’s Greenspace Service.

Responsible park users who spot others littering or letting their dogs foul without cleaning it up can contact the Arun’s parks team.

Please provide as much information as possible, including times, locations and descriptions of the owner and their dog.

To report the fouling, email [email protected] or call 01903 737951.

For more information, go to www.arun.gov.uk and search for ‘dog control orders’.