Nuisance dogs and fouling laws in the Fens are to be scooped together under one ruling instead of four to fall in line with national guidelines.

The change will not make much difference for dog walkers, however, the switch to one law - known as the Policing Act Public Space Protection Order PSPO - has opened the debate on responsible dog ownership across Fenland.

While gathering views on the switch, local councillors and residents made suggestions to encourage responsible dog ownership.

Many of their views have not been taken on board but they have been told they may be looked at in the future.

They include:

• Chatteris Town Council want dog walkers to carry a bag at all times and be fined if found to not have one.

• Whittlesey Town Council asked for dogs to be excluded from the fenced play area at Manor Playing Field but allowed off the lead in other areas of the field.

• Manea and Christchurch parish councils asked for specific PSPOs on their land. Specific local issues will be reviewed.

• Parson Drove parish councillors said dogs should be on leads in all areas.

• Public pleas included requests for dogs to be kept on leads in West End park in March and Wisbech park.

• As part of improving health and safety, a no smoking in public parks order should be considered - a suggestion by Councillor Mike Cornwell.

Annabel Tighe, environmental health manager, said: “Dog fouling and other dog related issues remain high priority for Fenland’s residents with more than 600 issues being reported each year to the council.

“Dog faeces carries bacteria which is a public health risk, particularly for young children,” she said.

Under the new rulings penalty notices will be £75 reduced to £65 (instead of £75 reduced to £50 under the old ruling) if paid within 14 days.

This brings the penalty in line with other environmental offences like littering.

The report is due to be considered by councillors in a meeting of cabinet at Fenland Hall on Thursday (23).

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