Huge public response to dealing with dog fouling in Harborough - and here are the results

The warning comes as the district council moved to impose a tough crackdown for at least another three years after a big public consultation.

Harborough council introduced the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) on Dog Controls in June 2016 in a bid to stop dogs fouling the streets.

The order makes it an offence to fail to:

- Remove dog faeces (includes all land to which the public can gain access)

- Put a dog on a lead when directed to do so by an authorised officer

- Have an appropriate means, such as dog bags, to pick up dog dirt.

Culprits who flout the law face being handed a £1,000 fixed penalty notice or hauled into court and fined up to £1,000.

The authority carried out a six-week consultation, which received over 250 responses from local people.

As a result the council’s Cabinet agreed at a meeting on Monday (Dec 2) to extend the clampdown to back the majority of residents who responded.

A council spokesman said: “The PSPO provides a consistent approach when dealing with issues such as dog fouling and will help us to tackle irresponsible dog owners so that our parks and open spaces are clean and safe to use.”

Meanwhile, the council’s also cracking down on litter louts in Market Harborough and surrounding villages.

“Whether it’s a used drinks bottle or a chocolate bar wrapper make sure you take your litter home and dispose of it correctly,” said the spokesman.

“Officers are patrolling the district and will take action if anyone is caught littering.”

He also said people who throw rubbish out of vehicles face a £150 fine – with the car owner always being held to account.

“Registered keepers are responsible for anyone caught littering from their vehicle. “They will be fined £150 even if a passenger is caught,” said the spokesman.

“Environmental crime officers patrolling the district will take action if anyone is caught littering.

“So make sure you take your litter home and dispose of it properly.”