Dog owners urged to help keep Kingley Vale clean

The national nature reserve has recently been blighted by dog owners discarding their used bags in the car park and on hedgerows along the footpath.

Dog Control Officers at Chichester District Council are working with Natural England and West Sussex County Council to preserve the beauty of the area, and are urging dog walkers and visitors to take their rubbish home with them.

Councillor John Connor, Chichester District Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, says: "Kingley Vale is a wonderful place to visit and is a key attraction to tourists outside the area. It is a great place for people of all ages to go walking, cycling or horse riding.

"Dog owners are welcome to enjoy it too but we want to encourage all owners to take a more responsible approach to dog fouling. We know that there are many responsible dog owners who use the vale and who do clean up after their animals, doing their bit to help make a visit to Kingley Vale as pleasant an experience for everyone as possible."

Viv Magrath, Dog Control Officer, warned that anyone seen allowing their dog to foul and not cleaning up after it can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £75 (reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days of issue of the Fixed Penalty Notice).

Viv says: "It's very disappointing that some irresponsible dog owners are simply letting everyone down. Dog mess that has been left on paths - or in plastic bags next to the path - is unhygienic, unsightly and anti-social.

"Always carry something to clear up after your dog such as a 'poop scoop' or 'poo pod' to place used bags inside and which can be easily attached to a dogs lead. I am a dog owner myself and use these as it's a convenient place to store bags of dog waste while walking in the countryside."

Kingley Vale is known for its ancient yew trees, which are among the oldest living things in Britain. It has some of the finest yew trees in Western Europe.

To report problems with dog fouling or provide details of offenders please contact the dog wardens.

Date: 17 April 2012

Reference: 3102