CRESSING PARISH COUNCILBraintree Council has issued zero fines for dog fouling complaints
NEW figures have revealed that Braintree Council has issued zero fines for dog fouling complaints.
The Times uncovered the information after submitting a Freedom of Information request (FOI).
Braintree Council confirmed between September 2023 and August 2024 it had received 33 complaints about dog mess.
The request also asked for the number of fixed penalty notices issued for dog fouling and dog littering during the same period.
Braintree Council said of these incidents, no fixed penalty notices were issued.
Tom Cunningham, deputy leader and environment boss, said: “If a member of the public does not pick up after their dog and dispose of the waste in a proper manner, it is considered to be anti-social behaviour.
“The majority of dog owners behave in a responsible manner by using the dog waste bins we provide or by taking it home to dispose of in their general waste.
“To enforce against incidents of dog fouling, Enforcement Teams must be able to evidence and prove the fouling has occurred and by whom before they are able to take reasonable action.
“Residents can report dog fouling via our website, using BDC’s online form.
“We ask for as much information as possible to increase the chances for action to be taken against individuals who do not take responsibility of their dog’s waste.”
For more information, visit www.braintree.gov.uk/seeitreportit
