Council vows to get tough on dog fouling

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Cheshire East Council says it will 'not be complacent' when it comes to tackling the problem of dog fouling.

The authority is reminding irresponsible dog owners that anyone failing to pick up their dog's mess will receive a £50 fine.

Cheshire East Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: "Dog fouling is unacceptable and we will continue to educate dog owners to take responsibility for their pets.

"No one likes to see dog waste in the street or in their local park. Not only is it unattractive but it also poses a severe health risk, particularly to young children.

"We will not hesitate to issue fixed penalty notices of £50 as part of tough action against irresponsible owners.

"I would like to reassure all dog owners and the wider community that we will not become complacent. We will persevere with our efforts to rid our parks and open spaces of dog mess and protect the public's health.

"Community warden officers have carried out 22 campaigns in problem areas since April this year already, following reports from local people. Those caught could face a fine of up to £1,000 if they fail to pay.

"There is no excuse for the minority of dog owners who consistently fail to clear up their pet's mess. We will not allow dog fouling to spoil people's enjoyment of their local environment."

Tags:
Cheshire East Council, Dog Fouling
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Rachael Tilling
Tuesday 25th October 2011 at 2:20 pm
I feel compelled to comment on this issue after I nearly fell into London Road this morning with my 19 week old baby in his pram and my dog, while trying to avoid yet another pile of dog mess left on the pavement. It is an issue that really annoys me and is getting out of hand in the village. It appears to be everywhere, so much so I spend my walks looking at the floor so I don't end up walking in it or my dog walking in it, or pushing the pram through it. I now even avoid certain walks with my dog as there's always that much of it it's almost unavoidable (the footpath from the park running parallel to the allotments is the worst).
As a dog owner myself I don't see why people can't clear up their dog's mess. Yes, it's not nice but it has to be done. I was picking up my dog's mess at 8 1/2 pregnant so there's no excuse.
Perhaps the council could fund some more dog bins with plastic bag dispensers so that there really is no excuse?
Patricia Wongsam
Monday 28th November 2011 at 12:42 pm
I am a regular visitor to Alderley Edge as I have family here. Over the last few weeks I have taken pleasure in walking with my 2 year old grandchild to the village to various groups and just to get fresh air.

I am extremely disappointed that, unlike others areas I visit regularly, there is no provision for Dog waste and an encouragement for dog owners to collect their dogs waste and bin it.

Over the last few days I have had to clean the pushchair wheels 3 times, and my shoes and the babys wellingtons because of the amount of dog waste on your pavements.

Obviously the pram must come into the house which makes the situation an uncomfortable one from the health and safety point of view.

I have recently retired as a Headteacher in Derbyshire and so I know the health and safety risks this problem can cause including child blindness from Toxicaris. I am quite astounded at the amount of waste spreading over your streets.

Surely your Council has to address this problem as you are way behind other areas, in my opinion.

I hope somebody can bring this to the attention of the Parish Council at a meeting.

In my area we have virtually eradicated this unsavoury problem.
Many Thanks.
Frank Keegan
Monday 28th November 2011 at 1:54 pm
Dog fouling is a natural event for the dog; unfortunately dog owners do not think it is a natural event to clean up after the dogs.

There need to be wider powers given to local council employees to issue fixed penalty notices to adults who refuse to act responsibly.

I will bring these issues to the attention of Cllr Bailey ; the matter has been raised at recent meetings of the Parish Council. It should almost be compulsory for dog owners or dog walkers to carry disposal bags every time they have a dog on a lead.

Perhaps we need a name and shame campaign?