Week of Action on Dog Fouling!
| March 6, 2013 | Filled under Debate, East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Environment, Withernsea |
If only dogs could clean up after themselves!
DOG WALKERS are being urged to “Leave nothing behind but their footsteps!” as part of Dog Fouling Week which started on Monday (11th March 2013) – but only Withernsea from Holderness is included in this particular week.
Dog fouling seems to be one of the issues that gets people angry from across the county. And according to the East Riding Council some areas are “plagued by dog fouling” and despite pleas, the nuisance is continuing.
“Leave nothing behind but your footsteps!”
As part of its campaign to tackle the problem, the council is holding a week of early morning patrols by its dog wardens in selected areas, which includes Withernsea only in the Holderness area.
It is an offence to fail to clean up after a dog which defecates on land in the open air to which the public has access to. And dog wardens and other enforcement officers will issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £75 to those dog walkers who fail to clean up.
Failure to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice could land the dog walker in court, which also has the effect of bumping up the cost.
Councillor Jackie Cracknell, portfolio holder for community partnerships, said: “The message behind Dog Fouling Week is a simple one, clean up after your dog and don’t leave anything behind. It is not just the filthy mess but some walkers are cleaning up and then throwing the bags into bushes. It is for that reason we are urging dog walkers to leave nothing behind but their footsteps.”
“This week is not about springing surprises on dog walkers. It is about promoting responsible dog ownership so that all our residents and visitors can enjoy the beauty of the East Riding without having to mind where they are treading along our paths and scenic walks.”
In the last 12 months the council has received 509 complaints about dog fouling, up on the 429 complaints in 2011 and 386 in 2010.
The council’s team during Dog Fouling Week (which takes place in Beverley, Bridlington, Goole, Anlaby, Cottingham and Hessle as well as the Withernsea area) will also be on the look out for dogs that are not kept under control or are being walked in areas which prohibit dogs.
HU12 Online says: Dog Fouling week is an initiative that people from across the HU12 and Holderness would probably like to see implemented in their areas! But you can still report dog fouling by calling the East Riding Council on 01482 396301 with the details of your complaint. See more on the Council’s website at the link below.
Visit: East Riding Council – Report Dog Fouling
I have recently wondered why no one has brought up the subject of cats fouling in your gardens on your plants etc at least dogs can be controlled cats can cause great misery and pain to children