Councils declaring war on the antisocial dog-owners
PEOPLE in Newquay are being urged to spy on dog-walkers and supply "intelligence" on those who fail to clear up their pets' mess.
The move comes after it emerged reports of dog fouling on streets and green spaces in the town had rocketed, with fed-up locals continuing to vent their anger on social networks.
Dog wardens, employed by council contractor Serco, have vowed to step up surveillance and brought forward a campaign that was planned for spring.
Newquay Town Council is in talks with St Columb Town Council and an unidentified authority to train an officer who would be able to issue fixed penalty notices in the three parishes.
Dog excrement can cause toxocariasis, a serious infection which can cause abdominal pain, severe eye infections and even blindness. Children are most at risk.
Dave Sleeman, a town councillor and chairman of Newquay Town Residents' Association, said: "It's a nightmare and it seems to happen everywhere in the town. You see people open the gate at the Atlantic Road cemetery and let their dogs in for a run while they wait.
"You've got to catch them, punish them and make an example of them."
Around a dozen people posted complaints on the New Newquay Facebook page, with the Barrowfields singled out as a hotspot. One mum claimed the problem was particularly bad around Trenance Learning Academy. "Having to tell your kids to watch out for poo every morning when walking to school isn't very nice," she said.
A spokeswoman for Serco confirmed dog fouling reports had risen and surveillance had been increased.
While most owners were responsible, some were using the hours of darkness to conceal their antisocial behaviour.
Cornwall Council operates a scheme that allows town and parish councils to train up an employee as a dog warden, allowing them to hand out fines.
To report dog fouling or provide intelligence, contact Serco on 01726 223311 or Cornwall Council on 0300 1234100, or go to www.cornwall.gov.uk and click on the 'Report it' link on the home page.
3 Comments
by HannahJones
Wednesday, January 18 2012, 7:35PM
“Why should Cornwall Council provide lazy dog owners with anything (at everyone else's expense)?
The threat of prosecution is no deterrent either. Someone needs to be caught, taken to court and fined thousands of pounds. I walked into Penzance this afternoon and the pavement was one long, unending stream of dog mess. Absolutely foul.”
by josdave
Wednesday, January 18 2012, 2:18PM
“Unfortunately mandydav the offer would only be taken up by responsible dog owners who clean up after their pets now. The irresponsible ones would carry on as they have been and it's only the threat of prosecution that is any form of deterrent. The maximum fine available to the courts is £1,000 and if a few fines were dished out approaching the maximum and that fact were publicised it might make a few people think twice.”
by mandydav
Wednesday, January 18 2012, 1:52PM
“Shame Cornwall Council don't embrace the Cornish made Dicky Bag more. They could supply every dog owner with one, take out all the dog bins and have cleaner outdoor spaces and it would work out cheaper. Be pro active don't just sit in your office wagging your finger”