Environment

Invitation to Meet the Animal Warden This Summer

AN ANNUAL campaign to promote responsible dog ownership in Reading will get under way this week.

The Council’s Animal Warden will be visiting parks across the borough over the next two months to give advice and support to pet owners and increase awareness of issues such as dog fouling. The summer roadshow kicks off at Prospect Park, in Tilehurst, on Thursday 5th July and will also take in Whitley Wood, Southcote and Caversham. Dog fouling consistently ranks highly on lists of residents’ concerns about their local environment and the Council runs a campaign to tackle the anti-social problem every year. The Animal Warden, Lisa Clements, visits areas to check for dog waste problems throughout the year and ensures anti-fouling warning signs are visible in parks and open spaces. However, the team still receives more than 100 complaints about dog mess every year. People who fail to pick up after their dog can be issued with a £75 Fixed Penalty Notice and non-payment can result in prosecution and a maximum fine of £1,000. Last summer the animal warden attended a number of events promoting the anti-fouling message and feedback from residents is that this action has had a positive impact. This year, the Animal Warden will also be offering advice on the changes to the Licensing of Animal Establishments regulations which come into force from October 2018. These changes affect the sale of pets, breeding of dogs, animal boarding establishments, riding establishments and animal exhibits. Advice will also be available regarding the microchipping of dogs and the problem of dogs straying. Members of the public are invited to meet the Animal Warden, pick up free stickers, frisbees and dog poo bags at:
  • Thursday 5th July, midday: Prospect Park, Tilehurst
  • Wednesday 11th July, midday: Victoria Recreation Ground, Tilehurst
  • Thursday 19th July, midday: Linear Park, Southcote
  • Wednesday 25th July, midday: Whitley Wood Recreation Ground
  • Thursday 2nd August, midday: Bugs Bottom, Caversham

Cllr Sophia James, Lead Councillor for Neighbourhoods & Communities, said:

“The issue of dog mess is one that is regularly raised as a concern by residents and one that we are keen to tackle. “Our Animal Warden travels the borough all year round checking dog fouling hot spots and we encourage people to report offenders so we can crackdown on this anti-social menace. “I hope plenty of people take the opportunity to meet our Animal Warden over the summer and get free advice about pet care and the new animal regulations coming into force later this year.” You can find more information at ‘Reading Borough Council – Animal Warden’ on Facebook.