Council set to get tougher on irresponsible dog-owners who allow their animals to foul public places

 

Spelling out the message - this sign is in Eastfield Avenue, Scartho

DOG-owners  across North East Lincolnshire  are today being reminded of the laws around fouling in public places following an increase in offences.

Fouling causes harm to the quality of life for others.

Says NELC: "Fouling causes harm to the quality of life for others.

"Complaints are regularly received from residents, so it is timely to issue a reminder  about the following offences:

* Failure  to pick up dog mess

* Dogs not on leads in areas where they should be

* Dogs in areas where they should not be

Offenders can be issued with a fixed penalty of £100 if they are in breach of the order. 

If they fail to pay the fixed penalty, it is likely they will be prosecuted in the magistrates’ court and they could be fined up to £1,000.

Last month, two dog-owners were fined for allowing fouling and one for having no means to pick up the waste.

Says council portfolio holder Cllr Ron Shepherd: "We are seeing a rise in the number of complaints pertaining to dog fouling.

"It is very clear what the rules are and any dog owner should know that they have to pick their pets waste up when out walking.

"It is not right that others should have to report it or made to manoeuvre around it when out in the borough. 

"Those who are found to have breached the PSPO will be prosecuted and dealt with accordingly.

"This is a serious issue that we are fully committed to tackling."

Dog-owners can also be prosecuted for allowing their animals to chase or harass declining shorebirds such as knot, dunlin,  curlew and redshank as they feed on Cleethorpes  beach. 

The council says it encourages residents to report offences.