Issue - meetings

This report updates Members on the new powers conveyed by The Animals (Penalty Notices) (England) Regulations 2023 and the accompanying Statutory Guidance which officers must consider when using these powers and seeks authority from Members to consider and as appropriate make use of fixed penalty notices.

Recommendation

That:

i)        the Committee agrees delegation to officers to consider and, as appropriate, make use of, fixed penalty notices when determining the appropriate level of enforcement action to be taken against any person/body corporate whom they are satisfied has committed a relevant offence as listed in the schedules of the Animals (Penalty Notices) Act 2022.

The Associate Director for Environment introduced the report.

In response to a question raised regarding the issuance of fixed penalty notices related to dog walkers and other regulations, officers clarified that the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) concerning dog regulation is a separate legislative matter that is currently undergoing public consultation. Officers mentioned that feedback from stakeholders, including the police and kennel clubs, is being evaluated, and a report including the number of fixed penalty notices issued, is being prepared for the next committee meeting.

Councillor Louise Price moved the recommendation that:

i.       The Committee agrees delegation to officers to consider and, as appropriate, make use of, fixed penalty notices when determining the appropriate level of enforcement action to be taken against any person/body corporate whom they are satisfied has committed a relevant offence as listed in the schedules of the Animals (Penalty Notices) Act 2022.

On being put to the committee the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being by general assent.

RESOLVED:

That:

i.       The Committee agrees delegation to officers to consider and, as appropriate, make use of, fixed penalty notices when determining the appropriate level of enforcement action to be taken against any person/body corporate whom they are satisfied has committed a relevant offence as listed in the schedules of the Animals (Penalty Notices) Act 2022.