Dog owners urged to clean up their act by council

FOLLOWING a recent rise in the number of reports of dog fouling in the district, dog owners are being urged to be responsible and pick up after their pets.

Uttlesford District Council’s animal warden Sue Knight said: “I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the responsible dog owners who do pick up after their dogs. However, the incidences of dog fouling are increasing and this spoils everyone’s enjoyment of our parks and open spaces, as well as many of our pavements.

“No-one wants to find dog’s mess on their shoes and so I appeal to those irresponsible owners to make sure they always carry a bag and to use it.”

There are no excuses for not having the means to clear up after your pet as bags are available, free of charge, from the council offices in Saffron Walden, the Community Information Centre in Thaxted and at the council’s customer service desk in Great Dunmow Library.

There are red dog bins situated around the district for the disposal of dog waste. Alternatively, any litter bin can be used or take the waste home and put in your black-lidded bin.

Mrs Knight added: “It is an offence to allow your dog to foul public footpaths and roadways and fail to pick up. Owners run the risk of a fixed penalty notice of �75 for failing to remove any fouling or could even be taken through the courts with prosecution carrying a maximum fine of �1,000.

“Dog fouling is totally unacceptable and dog owners know this, so please don’t think the law does not apply to you. Please assist the council to keep our streets and footpaths clean by always picking up after your dog.”

Residents can get further information by calling Mrs Knight on 01799 510594.