£75 reward for catching dirty dog owners

Residents in Stone who help catch people who don’t clean up after their dogs will get £75.

Stafford Borough Council is going to hand the money from the £75 fixed penalty notices in Stone and across the borough to people who have given information that has led to the fine.

It is another initiative in the clampdown against the environmental crime which has already seen the council launch dawn and evening patrols, team up with a charity to spread the anti-fouling message to thousands of schoolchildren, and carry out high-visibility campaigns in known hotspots.

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The council says a handful of people have been fined for not clearing up after their pets and say the information on the offenders has come from members of the public. And most of the information has been from responsible dog owners – who are angry about being given a bad name by their inconsiderate counterparts.

Now, if someone gives details that lead to a dog owner being fined or prosecuted, they will receive £75.

Councillor Frank Finlay, cabinet member for environment and health, said the response from the public had been excellent in helping to stamp out the problem. He said: “I think it is right that a community-minded resident who helps us crack down on something that is not only disgusting but can have serious health repercussions should be rewarded – and it is the inconsiderate dog owner that should pay.”

You can give the council information by email on dogs@staffordbc.gov.uk or by calling 01785 619402. More details about dog fouling can be found at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/dogs as well as details on outlets which supply free dog poo bags provided by the borough council.