and dangerous dogs. These include, Fouling, Stray dogs, Lost dogs, Fouling, etc. Enforcement Officers also provide School talks on particular environmental issues.
Under The Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 it is an offence for any person in charge of a dog not to remove any faeces deposited by a dog in their charge. Anyone found guilty of an offence will be issued with a fixed penalty notice (currently £50 fine). This gives the offenders the opportunity to dispose of the offence there and then. Should the fine not be paid, or offences be persistant the Council may prosecute with a maximum fine of £1000.
Stray DogsIf you witness a dog roaming unattended or find a stray dog you can report it to the Dog Warden, telephone 01935 462462. If the dog is seized but the owner cannot be located, the dog will be taken to the kennels used by the Local Authority, where it will be kept for 7 clear days. If at the end of this period the dog has not been claimed, the kennels will endeavour to re-home it. However, dogs found to be regularly straying will automatically be taken to kennels. When a dog is claimed the owner is required to contact the Kennels to pay a statutory fine (currently £50.00) plus the kennelling costs, £11.00 per day. After the cash payment has been made, the dog may be collected from the kennels.
Lost DogsIf you have lost a dog you can report this to the District Council, telephone 01935 462462.
ByelawsUnder local byelaws in designated areas there are restrictions e.g. a dog ban on some playing fields. In any designated area there will be signs. For further information contact the Dog Wardens telephone 01935 462462.
School Talks
School talks are given by the Enforcement Officers when requested by local schools. This will include information designed to educate children on responsible dog ownership as they will be the dog owners of tomorrow.
More information, and it really is well worth a look, may be found on the Somerset County Council's web site
CLICK HERE.