Hastings dog walkers could face fines for failing to carry poo bags, if proposals get the go ahead.
On Monday (September 7), Hastings Borough Council’s cabinet is due to decide whether to extend the town’s Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for three years.
They will also be asked to add a new condition which would make it an offence “to not have a suitable means to remove dog faeces.”
A report to cabinet reads: “The objective is to ensure that a person in charge of a dog has the means to comply with the primary fouling offence; picking up and disposing of dog faeces.
“It creates a preventative offence rather than relying on witnessing the fouling event. It could be a useful tool in hot spot patrols, education, and publicity. It should not be viewed as generating a large amount of Fixed Penalty Notices.”
The other change to the PSPO would be a relaxation of rules covering Hastings Castle. Currently no dogs are allowed on the site, but Troika Projects, which has been appointed to run and redevelop parts of the castle and West Hill site, has asked if this can be changed.
In a statement included within the cabinet report, a spokesperson for Troika said: “By permitting well-behaved dogs on leads, the castle could attract a wider range of visitors, increase visitor numbers, and encourage longer stays.
“Responsible dog owners are generally respectful of historic sites and, with dogs kept under control, any potential risks to the property, wildlife, or other visitors can be minimised through management.
“Adopting a dog-friendly policy would also enhance the castle’s reputation as an inclusive and welcoming destination while enabling more people to enjoy its heritage and surroundings without having to make separate arrangements for their pets.”
This would include the two seasonal dog exclusion areas on the beach, as well as restrictions on when dogs can be off leads in parks and gardens.
Both new measures saw support from the majority of respondents, when the council undertook consultation in July. It received 245 responses from people who lived in Hastings and eight from non-residents. Of these 56 per cent said they were dog owners.
The public consultation saw 84 per cent of respondents saying they would support a renewal.
The new elements also saw support, with 96 per cent supporting the new offence and 83 per cent supporting allowing dogs on leads within Hastings Castle grounds.
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