Published: Tuesday, 5th March 2024
Cannock Chase Council’s Environmental Health Team have joined forces with dog behaviour experts Let’s Talk Dog to tackle irresponsible pet ownership across the District.
Let’s Talk Dog will be hosting two training and behaviour sessions, which will focus on helping owners avoid potential behaviour issues and modify problem behaviour using simple, kind, reward-based methods.
The sessions will take place:
Tuesday 12 March 10-1pm - Cannock Fire Station
Tuesday 26 March 10-1pm - Rugeley Fire Station
Councillor Andrea Muckley, Portfolio Leader for Environment and Climate Change said “For most dog owners, their pet is a beloved member of the family. Fortunately, most dog owners are responsible and considerate, but those few dog owners who are irresponsible give everyone a bad name. The Council get reports of anti-social behaviour and complaints relating to dogs including noise from barking, dog fouling, dogs off leads and stray dogs.
“This funding will enable us to utilise the expertise of Let’s Dog Talk to educate pet owners about how to be a responsible dog owner, provide tips on how to modify your dog's problem behaviour as well as generally encouraging owners to take good care of humankind's best friend."
The campaign will focus on four areas including nuisance dogs, uncontrolled dogs, animal welfare and potentially aggressive dogs.
A series of short videos have been produced for each of these themes which provide useful tips as well as highlighting the responsibilities of dog owners.
If you have any concerns about a dog or are experiencing anti-social behaviour , such as nuisance from dog barking or fouling, due to an irresponsible dog owner, report it to the Council by emailing EnvironmentalHealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk
Funding for this project has been allocated from Cannock Chase Council’s Community Safety Team’s Anti-Social Behaviour Reduction Fund. This fund is provided by the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said “The Anti-Social Behaviour Fund is made up of money seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act and invested in projects designed to improve people’s quality of life.
“I welcome the use of the Fund to tackle irresponsible dog ownership, as issues like constant barking, fouling and dogs being off leads can cause disruption and distress to communities and impact their ability to enjoy their neighbourhoods.”
To book a place call the Council’s Environmental Health Team on 01543 462621 or email EnvironmentalHealth@cannockchasedc.gov.uk. No dogs are allowed at these sessions.
If you wish to get in touch with Let’s Talk Dog, they offer a free, no obligation consultation service. Email info@letstalkdog.co.uk or visit www.letstalkdog.co.uk for more information.