Calling foul over dog dirt

Council warning

Monklands’ dog owners are being reminded that allowing their pets to foul in public places is a criminal offence which could result in a hefty fine.

North Lanarkshire Council receives regular complaints f rom residents about incidents of dog fouling in their communities.

As well as the unpleasantness, the main concern from the public is the health risk from anyone standing in the mess and getting it on their hands or taking it into their house.

Faeces can cause the infection, toxocariasis, which particularly affects children between 18 months and five years old. If swallowed, the toxocariasis larvae can result in infection that lasts between six and 24 months. Symptoms include eye disorders, vague ache, dizziness, nausea, asthma and, in extremely rare cases, seizures/fits.

Council officers have the power to issue £ 80 Fixed Penalty Notices to owners who do not place their bagged dog mess in a bin.

If there isn’t a bin nearby, owners should take the bag home and dispose of it in their household general waste bin.

Residents who see owners allowing their dogs to foul without cleaning up, can report it to the council by calling Northline on 01698 403110 or online at www. northlanarkshire. gov. uk/ report, giving details of the location, times, dog and owner.

As part of the council’s Enough’s Enough campaign to tackle dog fouling, free dog fouling bags are available from council First Stop Shops and libraries.