Written question asked by Harold Elletson (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 November 1996. It was answered by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 11 November 1996 on behalf of the Department of the Environment.

Dept of the Environment

Question: When the local authority powers in the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 will be brought into force. - Inc ref to responses to consultation (in Lib).

Answer: Mr. Elletson: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when the local authority powers in the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 will be brought into force. [3527] Mr. Clappison: On 17 July this year, we consulted on the practical implementation of the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996. A list of responses to this consultation has been placed in the Library of the House; copies of individual responses may be obtained through the Library. Following this consultation, we have now made regulations setting the procedure by which local authorities can create areas where people have to clear up after their dogs. We have also made an order setting the fixed penalty for the new offence at £25 and providing a form for the penalty notice. These statutory instruments come into force on 1 December and will allow local authorities to take full advantage of these welcome new powers. We also issuing a circular to local authorities to inform them of the new powers.

Secondary information