Hart cancelled the multi award winning dog warden service and replaced it with a lost dog service from a company 30 miles away in Slough. We have lost our early-warning system, our council-police liaison officer and any support for people whose dogs are attacked.
This week Hart South Police published worrying details of “reports of dogs dangerously out of control”, including a dog who escaped from a garden and bit a child. We have been seeing an escalation in local incidents since the dog warden service was axed and welcome this police focus. Many BBC are concerned about increased dog fouling and poo bags left in public spaces.
Dog attacks can result in life-changing injuries and even death. Attacks on people are a police matter - and rightly so. But dog on dog attacks are a civil matter and, without the dog warden, residents have no official support. Without a dog warden, Hart lacks any real focus on educating and assisting dog owners about their responsibilities or on enforcement.
Recognising and tackling aggression at an early stage, and working with owners, is vital and could prevent tragic outcomes for adults, children and much-loved family pets. That was one of the key roles provided by our dog warden. We need that service back.
The dog warden also played a key role in reducing dog fouling. This is not just anti-social, it can also lead to health issues in children, including blindness.
Please sign this petition and ask Hart Cabinet to bring back the dog warden. This is a growing public safety issue that must be addressed now.
This ePetition ran from 28/02/2024 to 30/03/2024 and has now finished.
122 people signed this ePetition.