Published on:
06
April 2009
Five dog owners who failed to clean up after their pets have each been fined £40 after fixed penalty notices were issued.
The on the spot fines were all issued during a recent crack down on dog fouling which involved a range of Council staff, including the Community Wardens.
The Operation ran during February and March and saw wardens carry out over 100 hours on foot patrol and speak to 165 dog owners.
As well as being unsightly, dog fouling presents a real hazard to health.
While the vast majority of dog owners are responsible and clean up after their pet, there are some who continue to cause offence to residents as well as breaking the law by failing to bag it and bin it.
There are almost 300 dog fouling bins located across the county and dog fouling bags are available free from Council offices, CAPs, libraries, from the animal welfare officer and from the community wardens.
During the operation the wardens handed out 5,700 dog fouling bags and visited five dog owners.
Sustainability Portfolio Holder, Councillor Eddie Carrick, said: "I welcome the news that five fixed penalty notices have been issued to dog owners for the offence of not cleaning up after their pet. There is no excuse for this kind of offence - people know their responsibilities when it comes to cleaning up after their dogs. I hope the message to dog owners is loud and clear - clean up after your pet or you risk being fined."
Community Warden Supervisor Paul Hamill added: " The vast majority of local dog owners act responsibly, but a few anti-social dog owners do not. This means that dog fouling is sometimes not cleared up.
"Dog fouling is something we know residents are concerned about and we do get a lot of calls about it, which is why we carried out this operation.
" While this operation is over, this is still an issue we are very much aware of and vigilance will remain high."
If you have any information regarding irresponsible pet owners or would like to report dog fouling please contact the wardens on 450000 or email cat@clacks.gov.uk