FOI Request - Dog Control
Request 101002546575
I’m writing a newspaper article about dog control, focussing on dog-fouling and dangerous dogs. I’m going to look at how the management of this problem has changed over time, and if there have been noticeable changes during the period of Covid ‘lockdown’.
Please note:
• I think the terms ‘Dog Wardens’ or other ‘Competent Officers’ should be self-explanatory, but you could use Defra’s guidance “Dealing with irresponsible dog ownership Practitioner’s manual” published here - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/373429/dog-ownership-practitioners-manual-201411.pdf for guidance. This question is not meant to catch authorities out, but it may be that you employ Dog Wardens, but don’t call them ‘Dog Wardens’; so I’m happy for a common-sense approach to be applied to interpretation.
• I am aware that the law has changed slightly during this period – this is why I have kept these questions non-specific. Again, I think they are self explanatory.
Freedom of Information Questions -
• Qualifying question - is your local authority responsible for dog control? If not, please say so, and do not bother responding further (because the remaining questions don’t apply to you).
For the period January 1 2010 to June 15 2010
How many Dog Wardens or other ‘competent officers’ (as subsequently defined by the Defra guidance) were employed by your local authority?
How many reports of dog-fouling were made?
How many reports of dog-fouling were investigated?
How many owners were issued with verbal advice?
How many owners were issued with written advice?
How many fines were issued?
How many were prosecuted in civil courts?
How many were prosecuted in criminal courts?
How many reports were there of dogs acting dangerously or in an uncontrolled manner?
How many were investigated?
How many owners were issued with verbal advice?
How many owners were issued with written advice?
How many fines were issued?
How many were prosecuted in civil courts?
How many were prosecuted in criminal courts?
For the period January 1 2015 and June 15 2015
How many Dog Wardens or other ‘competent officers’ (as defined by the Defra guidance) were employed by your local authority.
How many reports of dog-fouling were made?
How many reports of dog-fouling were investigated?
How many owners were issued with verbal advice?
How many owners were issued with written advice?
How many fines were issued?
How many were prosecuted in civil courts?
How many were prosecuted in criminal courts?
How many reports were there of dogs acting dangerously or in an uncontrolled manner?
How many were investigated?
How many owners were issued with verbal advice?
How many owners were issued with written advice?
How many fines were issued?
How many were prosecuted in civil courts?
How many were prosecuted in criminal courts?
In the period January 1 2020 to June 15 2020
How many Dog Wardens or other ‘competent officers’ (as defined by the Defra guidance) were employed by your local authority? Please also say if these officers were actively undertaking their duties during the lock-down period.
How many reports of dog-fouling were made?
How many reports of dog-fouling were investigated?
How many owners were issued with verbal advice?
How many owners were issued with written advice?
How many fines were issued?
How many were prosecuted in civil courts?
How many were prosecuted in criminal courts?
How many reports were there of dogs acting dangerously or in an uncontrolled manner?
How many were investigated?
How many owners were issued with verbal advice?
How many owners were issued with written advice?
How many fines were issued?
How many were prosecuted in civil courts?
How many were prosecuted in criminal courts?
My assumption is that this data will be readily available, and its compilation will not be onerous; and it will not fall foul of Section 12. If it does, please contact me and I’ll refine my request.
Response 06-08-2020
Please find the requested information attached here.