Reminder to Dog Owners to Keep Pets Under Control

Reminder to dog owners to keep pets under control

DOG owners are being reminded to keep their pets under control when out and about across the county.

It follows a number of complaints from members of the public regarding dogs running amok at Llanelli’s North Dock, with some even entering the Discovery Centre.

There have also been further reports of dogs causing a nuisance to visitors at Pembrey Country Park.

Council environmental enforcement officers now have greater flexibility in tackling incidents involving dogs and can ask owners to put their dog on a lead if it is considered to be causing a nuisance to other people or another animal.

Failure to comply with the order will result in a fixed penalty notice of £100 or a maximum fine of £1,000 if prosecuted in court.

And dog owners that are persistently causing a nuisance could be dealt with via a Community Protection Notice, which is more specific to the individual.

Executive Board Member for Environmental and Public Protection Cllr Jim Jones said: “Staff in the Discovery Centre and at Pembrey Country Park have received complaints from visitors about dogs that are out of control.

“We would encourage dog owners to please use common sense, we want them to be able to exercise their dogs freely, however, if there are other people or dogs around, particularly young children, and they are causing a nuisance then they should put them on a lead.

“And if they don’t, then under the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which came into force last year, officers can now deal with the small minority of irresponsible dog owners quickly and effectively.

“If there are persistent offenders then we will not hesitate in taking further action which could include a Community Protection Notice.”