NOT a single fine has been issued since new dog control orders came in to force in Weymouth and Portland in June. 

New Public Space Protection orders were introduced in the borough on June 1 but not a single penalty charge noticed has been issued since then.

New orders were brought in extending the period of dog exclusion on Weymouth beach, to make it run between Good Friday and October, 31 as well as making it so that dogs are required to be on a lead on the promenade from the Pleasure Pier to Bowleaze and also on the Rodwell Trail.

There was also changed restrictions in recreational areas with signage placed to make it clear.

In areas where dogs must be kept on a lead, the maximum lead length is also two metres.

The maximum lead length was to support better dog control and reduce fouling incidents, with the fine for fouling also increasing from £75 to £100.

Despite the new orders, which came after a consultation where residents demanded action on dog control and better enforcement, there have been no fines handed out. 

More than 1,500 residents responded to the consultation, but the council have admitted that the lack of fines show the difficulty of enforcing orders.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s briefholder for community safety, Cllr Francis Drake said: “Microchipping regulations that were introduced in April have had a positive impact on the Dog Warden service. Dogs are being identified and returned to their owner much faster and often without going into kennels.

“No fixed penalty notices have been issued since the new Public Safety Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced in June which highlights the difficulty of witnessing incidents.

“Councillors have approved a project to use an environmental enforcement company to work alongside our Dog Wardens and catch offenders and those who drop litter. This is due to start this autumn. We hope that this helps to change the behaviour of those individuals who let responsible dog owners, and residents down by not picking up after their dogs.”

Residents can report issues at dorsetforyou.gov.uk/dog-fouling.

At a recent meeting of WPBC’s Management Committee, councillors voted to delegate authority to the head of community protected to authorise officers to enforce microchipping of dogs.

An investigation by the Dorset Echo last year revealed that between 2010 and May last year there were more than 900 complaints about dog fouling in the borough but only two people were fined.