No second chances as council gets tough on dog fouling

They’re stepping up the battle against dog poo after an increase in the number of complaints by the public.

From now on Council Dog Wardens will no longer be offering offenders the opportunity to lift the dog mess; instead they will automatically issue a fine with the threat of court action if it isn’t paid.

Councillor Andrew Ewing, Chairman of the Environmental Services Committee, said the council had been left with no alternative but to get tough.

“Every year we spend tens of thousands of pounds on cleaning up this mess” he said.

“In the current economic climate this money would be better spent enhancing the City and providing facilities and services for the use of residents and visitors alike.

“Those who are identified as not following the Council message of ‘Bag It and Bin It!’ will automatically be issued with a fixed penalty fine of £50. If such a fine is not paid the Council will instigate court proceedings.

“If found guilty of the offence the person could then be subject to a maximum penalty of £500 plus court costs.”

Mr Ewing said the council was ‘very aware of the problems this anti-social behaviour brings’ and was keen to deter offenders.

He said a number of measures have been put in place to promote a more responsible attitude towards dog ownership and penalise those who act in an irresponsible manner.

• Patrols at peak times – early mornings and evenings when owners are most active with dogs.

• Provision of litter bins to dispose of the used poop-scoops.

• Visits to schools and community groups – educating children and adults in the importance of dog care and control.

• Liaising with local community groups to promote responsible dog ownership.

• Placing additional dog fouling signage in affected areas.

Mr Ewing added: “Dogs are a great family pet but with such a pet there is a requirement for the dog owners to act responsibly with their dog. One of the most responsible acts a dog owner can do is ‘picking up’ after their dog because dog fouling presents a health hazard.

“Children are particularly vulnerable to the Toxocara canis disease, a common worm infection in dogs, which can be found in eggs in contaminated soil. In extreme cases damage to eyesight can occur.

“Dog owners should be responsible and always bring a ‘poop scoop’ or disposable plastic bag with them when leaving home with the dog. Properly secured bags can be placed in any Council litter bin in the Lisburn area or into the landfill bin at the owners home,” he concluded.