Hastings dog walkers face fines for failing to carry poo bags

On Monday (September 7), Hastings Borough Council’s cabinet approved plans to extend the town’s Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for a further three years.

Alongside the extension, council leaders also agreed to add a new condition to the order, which will make it “an offence to not have a suitable means to remove dog faeces”.

Cllr Becca Horn, cabinet member for community safety and environmental services, said the new rules had seen support from the majority of the 253 people who responded to a public consultation.

Cllr Horn said: “We had overwhelming support, 96 per cent of responders were in favour of the additional controls of making sure people have the means to pick up their pup’s plops, because frankly they should.

“But I just want to stress that this isn’t about really laying down the law and coming down hard on people from the word go.

“It actually gives our enforcement officers an opportunity to engage with people, to have a conversation with them and to educate them about the need to make sure that they do have a dog poo bag on them or the means to pick it up.

“It’s really about having another tool in [an enforcement officer’s] box, to encourage people to do the right thing.”

She said this would likely be used in ‘hot spot’ areas with repeated dog fouling.

In a report to cabinet, officers said the new rule would create a “preventative offence”, as current rules require an officer to witness a “fouling event”.

The only other change to the PSPO would be a relaxation of rules covering Hastings Castle.

Under the current PSPO, no dogs are allowed on the site. But Troika Projects, which has been appointed to run and redevelop parts of the Hastings 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.”