‘WE WANT action on dog control.’ That’s the call being made following a review in Weymouth and Portland, the Echo can reveal.

Almost 1,700 responses were collected to a consultation launched earlier this year on issues such as dog fouling and where in the borough dogs should be kept on leads.

And residents have called for more ‘visible and effective enforcement’, said Cllr James Farquharson, who is part of the working group which looked at the consultation and revealed the results.

This includes heavier penalties and extra dog warden patrols.

Cllr Farquharson said ‘the message needs to reach irresponsible dog owners that their behaviour is no longer tolerated’.

Eighty-five per cent of people who responded to the survey said that they would like the order concerning the appropriate clearing up of dog fouling to remain in place.

However, several comments were made about the need for better enforcement.

The consultation report said: “Of those who commented specifically concerning dog fouling, many felt harsher penalties were needed (35 comments), or that the current order was not working or needed more enforcement (32 comments).”

Comments also suggested fining owners who don’t carry ‘poo bags’ and that more bins are required.

Cllr James Farquharson, who is part of the working group which looked at the consultation said it was good to see people engaging in the process.

He said: “I think it was one of the most responded to consultations in recent history.

“It was good to see people participating in it.”

Cllr Farquharson said that he is taking away from it that most people are happy with the orders but they feel more reinforcement is needed.

He said: “That’s what I’m taking from it. Not everyone agrees with the current orders but most do.

“They said there needs to be a lot more enforcement. They want the same but just more enforcement.”

Other comments noted in the consultation include the need for more dog excrement bins and fines for people not carrying bags.

Ninety-three per cent of respondents said they want dogs to be kept on leads at all times on roads and pavements, with 87 percent wanting dogs to be kept on leads in cemeteries.

However, 51 per cent of people said it should not be required that dogs are on leads on the Rodwell Trail, as well as Lodmoor Country Park and the open space at Portland Bill.

Other areas which gained large areas of comment included the need for more dog warden patrols, the fact that excluding dogs will negatively effect tourism and that more prosecutions are needed.

As well as seeking consultation from residents and businesses, the council also sought a response from the Kennel Club.

The Kennel Club’s response is encouraging the council to employ proactive measures to help promote responsible dog ownership such as increasing the number of bins and using a poster campaign to encourage dog owners to pick up after their pets.

The results of the consultation were discussed by a working group earlier this week and their recommendations will now go in front of the policy committee in December before moving on to management.