New dog control orders were introduced by the District Council on 1 August, replacing all existing dog byelaws.

Using powers under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005, our enforcement officers and police community support officers can now issue £80 fixed penalty notices to anyone caught breaking the orders. We can also prosecute offenders, which could lead to a visit to the magistrates' court and a fine of up to £1,000.

It is now an offence to allow a dog to enter any enclosed children's play area, or to enter Centenary Field in Bulkington. It is also an offence to not clean up your dog's faeces from the following land:

• Any highway, footways, footpaths and towpaths within West Wiltshire over which the public have a right of way on foot, and adjoining verges which are maintained at public expense - this may include some areas of access land
• All pedestrianised areas within West Wiltshire to which the public have right of access
• All open spaces within West Wiltshire that are owned, occupied or maintained by or on behalf of the District Council, the County Council, a registered social landlord or housing association, or any town or parish council
• Any cemetery, burial ground or churchyard
• The Common, Broughton Gifford and Norrington Common, Broughton Gifford (which comprises two areas of land)
• The car park and open space at Westbury White Horse, south of Westbury Hill

Copies of the full orders can be viewed on the Council's website at www.westwiltshire.gov.uk.

Cllr Linda Conley, the environment portfolio holder, said: "The majority of dog owners are responsible and fully understand the importance of controlling their pets and cleaning up any mess they make. However, there is a thoughtless minority, and we will use these new powers to clamp down on these people to ensure that our district is as safe and clean as we can make it."

3:43pm Tuesday 11th December 2007

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