Cracking down on dog fouling

Cheshire East Council is spearheading a cross-community initiative to improve the behaviour of irresponsible dog owners.

The Council has set up a stall in Congleton High Street to promote ‘Dog Watch’ – a campaign to draw attention to the anti-social nuisance of dog fouling in the Borough’s streets and open spaces.

The Council will work in partnership with community groups, schools, sports clubs and businesses to spread the message.

Similar events will take place around the Borough in the months ahead.

The Council’s community enforcement officers have been engaging with residents to discuss responsible dog ownership and the importance of cleaning up after their pets.

The team are also erecting a number of ‘Dog Watch’ signs in the town and local children have become involved in helping to get the message out by designing ‘no dog fouling’ posters.

Members of the public are also playing their part by helping to erect the signs in known ‘hot spot’ areas.

Councillor Paul Bates, Cabinet member for communities and health, said: “We encourage all in the community to work together to free our town centres, residential areas, parks and open spaces from the anti-social nuisance of dog fouling.

“We have a minority of irresponsible owners who are discrediting the reputation of the majority.

“We share the frustrations of responsible dog owners and those affected by such irresponsible behaviour.

“I was on the stand myself and the public showed great enthusiasm for the scheme and responsible dog owners were keen to highlight areas where less responsible  people choose to let their dogs behave in an unacceptable manner.

“As an enforcing and ‘residents first’ authority, Cheshire East Council is urging all dog owners to take a responsible attitude when exercising their pets and to make sure they clean up after their animals.

“Children in particular can be susceptible to diseases carried in dog faeces, so it is imperative that we seek the cooperation of the public and dog owners in trying to eradicate this dreadful nuisance.

“Some owners need to be reminded that there is a law allowing local councils to fine dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets and the fixed penalty is £50, with far higher fines possible if the owner is taken to court.

“The Council will be tough on residents and visitors to the Borough who selfishly cause issues for others by failing to clean up after their dog.”

Residents, businesses and community groups can help  tackle this problem by reporting dog fouling on 0300 123 5021.

The Council will target specific areas, with high-visibility patrols, including areas popular with visitors from outside the Borough and will advise people on how to report offenders.

The ‘Dog Watch’ team will be present in Congleton until Sunday May 22, before moving on to other locations in the Borough.