Concerns over the growing problem of dog fouling in Overton are set to be addressed following action by the parish council and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
The parish council has confirmed that residents’ complaints have now been formally raised with Drew Mechen, the Community Safety Officer for Basingstoke and Deane. He will be leading work to tackle the issue and improve behaviour in areas of the village where problems have been reported most often.
The move follows repeated concerns from residents about dog mess being left on pavements, outside shops and in other busy public areas, creating an unpleasant environment and a potential health risk for pedestrians, families and local businesses.
As part of the response, a two-week campaign will take place in March. The campaign will focus on visible patrols in key locations around the village, alongside face-to-face engagement with dog owners. Officers will be speaking directly to people out walking their dogs to offer advice, explain legal responsibilities and promote simple steps that help keep public spaces clean and safe for everyone.
The parish council says the emphasis at the start of the campaign will be on education and encouraging responsible behaviour, rather than immediate punishment. More detailed information about the campaign, including the dates and locations of patrols, will be published in the March edition of ON&V.
Once the two-week education and engagement period has finished, enforcement action will follow where necessary. This will include the use of spot fines for anyone found failing to clean up after their dog.
The council hopes the combined approach of awareness, guidance and visible enforcement will lead to a clear improvement and help change habits among a small number of irresponsible owners whose actions affect the wider community.
Thanking residents for continuing to report incidents, the parish council said it understands the frustration felt by people who regularly encounter dog fouling while walking through the village. It has reassured residents that the matter is being taken seriously and that practical steps are now in place to improve the situation.
Residents are encouraged to keep reporting problem areas and repeat issues so that patrols can be targeted more effectively and the campaign can focus on the locations where it is needed most.
Click here to report dog fouling.
A reminder…
- it is an offence for persons in control of a dog not to clear up after their dog has fouled in a public place
- it is an offence for a person not to produce a means to clear up after their dog has fouled, for example sufficient dog poo bags, when asked to do so by an authorised officer
- failure to comply with a PSPO could result in an on the spot fine of £100 or ultimately prosecution
