Residents reminded to Scoop the Poop - 06/03/07
Following a recent rise in the number of complaints about dog
fouling, the Vale of Glamorgan Council would like to remind anyone
who owns or walks a dog to make sure they ‘Scoop the Poop’.
Dogs make wonderful companions and walking them is a healthy
past time. However, they do come with responsibilities and the Vale
Council urges everyone to carry a bag when out with their dogs so
they can clean up after them.
Current dog fouling ‘hotspots’ are Dock View Road and Pencoedtre
Fields in Barry and Foxes Lane in St Brides Major. Anyone walking a
dog in these areas, or anywhere else in the Vale, is reminded that
failure to clean up after your pet is an offence that can result in
an on the spot fine of £75.
Senior Enforcement Officer Denny White explained: “The Council
is very proactive in promoting responsible dog ownership and, since
the launch of our 'Bag it and Bin it' education and awareness
campaign in 2004, complaints about dog fouling have reduced by over
92%.
"However, in recent weeks we have seen an increase in complaints
as unfortunately there are still a small minority who allow their
dogs to foul. We would like to remind those people that anyone who
fails to clean up after their dog can be issued with a fixed
penalty notice of £75, increasing to £1,000 if prosecuted."
Denny added: "We would also like residents to contact us if they
have problems with dog fouling in their area or know who is
responsible as once we know where the offenders are we can carry
out patrols. All information will be treated confidentially."
Free dog waste bags are available from the main Council offices.
Dog owners are reminded that they can use any plastic bag to clean
up after their pets and the waste can be disposed of in any bin as
long as the bag is securely tied.
Be a responsible dog owner:
• Always clean up after your dog;
• Remember you are guilty of an offence if you fail to clean up
after your dog;
• Worm your dog – dogs that are not wormed regularly can carry
infections;
• Spread the word on responsible dog ownership to others.
The Council’s dog wardens are always happy to offer advice to
anyone considering owning a dog.
To report a dog fouling problem please contact Visible Services
on 029 20 673000, or e-mail visible@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.
To contact a Dog Warden please call 01446 709105.