18 - Dog owners urged to bag it and bin it

 

Enforcement officers will be targeting parks and open spaces as part of the national Poop Scoop Week (June 23-29).

 

Irresponsible dog walkers are being warned they face a £50 on the spot fine if they are caught failing to clean up after their animals. They also face costs and fines totalling hundreds of pounds if they do not pay the fine within 14 days.

 

The national drive aims to encourage people to be responsible and clean up after their dogs and place the bagged mess in the bins provided. Over the past 18 months more than 120 extra dog mess bins have been provided across the borough by Dudley Council, making a total of around 400.

 

Enforcement officers will be out at key sites across the borough all week as part of the initiative, in a bid to remind people about the health implications of dog fouling and the need to clean it up.

 

 

“Dog fouling is an unsightly mess that can cause all sorts of problems for people walking and playing in our parks and open spaces.

 

“Thankfully, many dog owners are responsible but there are still a few who need reminding about their social responsibility – bag it and bin it.”

 

A team of five officers will be visiting parks and open spaces across the borough next week to make sure pet owners are law-abiding.

 

Dudley Council handed out 49 fines last year and had one successful prosecution through the courts against a man who allowed his dog to foul in Lye, and was ordered to pay costs and fines of over £200.