New bid to stamp out dog fouling
A NEW campaign to tackle a 'marked rise' in dog fouling has been launched in Lowestoft.The Lowestoft North and Central Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) and Waveney District Council will be working together in forthcoming months to target the issue of dog owners not cleaning up after their pets and committing dog fouling offences.
A NEW campaign to tackle a 'marked rise' in dog fouling has been launched in Lowestoft.
The Lowestoft North and Central Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNT) and Waveney District Council will be working together in forthcoming months to target the issue of dog owners not cleaning up after their pets and committing dog fouling offences.
Concerns from locals have been raised following an increase in dog fouling in the area, which have been reflected in the marked rise of the number of incidents reported to the council across the district.
Last year there were four times as many complaints as there were in 2005 - with the latest figures released this week for 2009 showing a 33pc increase on 2008.
Joint patrols will now take place across Lowestoft as council officers and SNT officers target offenders with a zero tolerance policy, as offenders will be issued with an �80 fixed penalty notice when caught in the act. If the matter is taken to court, then the maximum fine can be �1,000.
Sgt Andy Green, of the Lowestoft North SNT, said: 'Dog fouling will be a specific priority for the SNT for the next month. 'We want people to understand that it is an offence to not clean up after your dog has fouled in a public place and it will not be tolerated,' he added.
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'We are encouraging people to remember to bring a carrier bag or a doggy bag, as ignorance or forgetfulness is not an excuse.' Echoing this, Ken Sale, Waveney District Council's portfolio holder for environment, said: 'We are encouraging people to be responsible and considerate dog owners, and clear up after their dog has fouled. Remembering to bag it, tie it and bin it will ensure that the local area continues to be an attractive and pleasant place to be.'
Andrew Reynolds, Waveney's principal environmental health officer added: 'Cracking down on the selfish few who refuse to take this message on board is important. If you see a culprit and you know who they are, please report it to Waveney District Council's Service Hotline in confidence by telephoning 01502 562111 or emailing customer.services@waveney.gov.uk
