Careless dog owners escape fines

NOT a single fine was issued to Solihull dog owners who failed to clean up after their pet over the course of a three-year period.

The council has confirmed that no fixed penalty notices were doled out for dog fouling in 2019-20, 2018-19 or 2017-18. And the 36-month stretch where no owners were brought to book could in fact be even longer, given that records before April 2017 are no longer available.

Following a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, the council said that switching systems meant it could not access the data for 2015/16 and 2016/17.

The issue remains a worry for many residents around the borough, with concerns about mess left on footpaths, in parks and near schools.

Julie Wright branded the antisocial behaviour “disgusting”, citing problems on a large patch of grass near Collector Road. “I think more needs to be done,” she said.

Fellow resident Dawn Clarke said: “Noticed it more during our walks during lockdown. The children aren’t able to run around the park without worrying about what they’re stepping in.” Solihull Council has previously spoken about the difficulties enforcing certain “low-level” crimes, admitting that more serious offences tend to get priority.

While it has contracted NSL to issue on-the-spot penalties for littering and dog fouling, these wardens have initially focused on Solihull town centre where fewer pets are exercised. Early data from the scheme confirmed that of the first 41 fines issued, all but one was for dropping a cigarette end. The council has been contacted for comment about the data.