Dog fouling hotspots in Stone will be targeted as part of a new crackdown on the filthy crime.
Stafford Borough Council has introduced dawn and evening patrols to help reduce the number of offences. They have also set up a dedicated email address for people to report offenders. You can now email dogs@staffordbc.gov.uk to give information in confidence about people who do not clean up after their dogs or call 01785 619000. Further details can be found at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/dogs
Over the last 12 months the council has fined or prosecuted eight dog owners across the borough who have not cleaned up after their pets – with one man made to pay £500 by magistrates. Most offenders have been caught from information given by responsible dog owners who the council say are ‘sick to death’ with getting a bad name from the inconsiderate minority.
Now a dog fouling enforcement team has embarked on a programme of visits to areas where local people have reported problems with irresponsible owners not clearing their dogs’ mess. They will talk to members of the public and responsible dog walkers to gather information about offenders as well as explaining facts about the dangers and costs associated with fouling.
The move comes after more reports of dog fouling from members of the public at the start of the year. Already residents have provided details of times, dates and places where irresponsible owners are walking their dogs.
Banners and ‘A’ boards are to be used to highlight the areas being targeted and people can keep abreast of progress with regular updates on the council’s Twitter account @staffordbc. Animal welfare charity Blue Cross will also be talking to pupils about the importance of responsible ownership.
Councillor Frank Finlay, cabinet member for environment and health, said: “Not only is dog fouling unpleasant but it can result in serious illness. We have received more reports recently in the Stafford and Stone area which appears to be because the mornings and evenings are darker so people don’t think they will be caught. The vast majority of dog owners clean up after their pets and they are sick to death with being tarred with the same brush as the irresponsible ones.
“We will now be going along to areas which people report to us as being particular problems, and as well as fining anyone who doesn’t clean up after their pet, we will be gathering information on offenders and talking to people about the campaign.”
