Agenda, decisions and minutes

Purpose: To receive any Declarations and advise Members accordingly.

There were no declarations of interest.

Purpose: To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 7 December 2016.

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

That the minutes be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

(a)       That the Committee recognised the work carried out by the Dog DNA Task and Finish Group but do not recommend that the Authority proceeds with a Dog DNA Scheme at the present time;

(b)       That the Committee recommends Cabinet approve the implementation of a Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for specific offences on designated classifications of open space; and

(c)        That Cabinet give consideration to training appropriate Offices to enable them to undertake enforcement duties.

The Chief Officer (Streetscene and Transportation) introduced the report to provide an update on the possible introduction of a pilot dog DNA scheme in the County and Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) Dog Control and Dog Fouling. 

The Chief Officer provided background information and referred to the all member workshop which had been held on 5 January 2017 to highlight the prohibition options available and seek views on the introduction of a pilot dog DNA scheme and PSPOs. He advised that the existing Dog Control Order only requires owners to remove their dog’s waste from public areas, however, the creation of a PSPO provides an opportunity for enforcement against other designated offences, such as exclusion of dogs from a defined area or keeping dogs on leads on certain classifications of open space at all times, for example children’s play areas, marked sports pitches and other formal recreation areas. 

The Chief Officer introduced Gerwyn Davies, Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator, and Ruth Cartwright, Civil Parking and Environmental Enforcement Manager, to the meeting.  The Officers gave a joint presentation which covered the following main points:

·         Dog DNA

o   background

o   Where has it been used

o   Benefits

o   Dis-benefits

o   How would a pilot scheme work  

·         Enforcement options

o   Background

o   PSPO options

o   Prohibition options

o   Land classifications

·         Other options for consideration

The Chairman thanked Officers for their presentations.

Councillor Paul Shotton expressed a number of concerns around the proposal to introduce a pilot dog DNA scheme.  He felt that the cost to the owner for registration and to the Council for testing was prohibitive and raised further concerns around the cost of administration and enforcement.

Councillor David Evans also commented on the financial implications of the Scheme which had not been detailed in the report.  He asked when feedback would be provided from the pilot areas in Barking and Dagenham where the Scheme had been trialled.  Councillor Evans said there was a need for full consultation and engagement with the general public before the Scheme was  introduced to ensure a willingness for voluntary registration.  He also   asked what timeframes were being considered for the pilot scheme and the enforcement arrangements.  The Facilitator explained that further feedback on the results of the pilot scheme in Barking and Dagenham were awaited and would be provided to the Committee as soon as received.

During discussion  Councillors Richard Lloyd and Chris Dolphin reiterated the concerns which had been expressed around the financial implications of the Scheme and the need for the results of the trial in other areas to be known in advance.  Members commented on the need to promote social awareness and responsible dog ownership through alternative options and public engagement. 

Councillor Brian Lloyd asked if there would be sufficient enforcement officers to meet the Schemes demands and address the number of complaints of dog fouling raised by the general public.  He also referred to the issue of dog fouling in Town Centres and need to provide adequate signage to inform dog owners of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 50.

That the Forward Work Programme be agreed.

The Facilitator presented the current Forward Work Programme for consideration.

Councillor Chris Dolphin referred to the item on Planning Enforcement Policy which was to be considered at the meeting of the Committee to be held on 8 March 2017.  In response to a request from Councillor Dolphin, Councillor Bernie Attridge agreed to provide a breakdown of the Planning enforcement cases at the present time to the Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the Forward Work Programme be agreed.

There was one member of the press in attendance.