Pet owners told: Pick up after your dogs

UTTLESFORD District Council is urging the irresponsible few who do not pick up after their dogs to change their ways.

There has been a recent rise in the number of complaints about this problem and while the vast majority of dog owners do the right thing and pick up the mess their pets leave, there are some who do not.

The district council is doing its part to help dog owner comply with the fouling laws by giving away bags free of charge at 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 and all dog owners should use these - or pick it up, take it home and dispose of it in their black lidded bin.

The council’s animal warden Sue Knight said: “First of all I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the responsible dog owners who do pick up after their dogs.

“I believe that there are a small number of dog owners who are responsible for the fouling on the pavements and grassed areas around the district and this must cease.

“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 for failing to remove any fouling or could even be taken through the courts, with prosecution carrying a maximum fine of �1000.

“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 from Sue by calling her on 01799 510594.