‘Clean up your dog’s mess or we’ll take pet away’
ZERO TOLERANCE APPROACH AIMED AT ENDING DOG FOULING
A COUNCILLOR has called for dogs to be taken away from owners if they don’t pick up their pet’s mess.
People already face being fined up to £100 for failing to clean up after their pooches in Oldham.
Town hall bosses have agreed to consult on plans to increase the onthe-spot fines.
Fixed penalty notices could go up from £80 to £100.
Lib Dem councillor Dave Murphy, the party’s shadow environment boss, wants fines to be hiked even more.
And during a council meeting, he went further.
Coun Murphy said he wanted dogs to be taken away from irresponsible owners and rehomed.
“Controversially, I’m that desperate for a solution to this and I fear that there isn’t one.
“If a dog owner can’t be responsible with their dog, and they’re prepared to let it foul, for me – and I won’t be popular saying this – I’d take the dog off them and rehome it with someone who is going to be responsible for it.” Coun Murphy said dog dirt was one of the top three issues among residents in his Crompton ward. Since April 1 last year, the council has issued just one fine for dog fouling in Shaw and Crompton, following 18 complaints. “I think the key to it is more enforcement – higher fines,” Coun Murphy added. “I’d probably go even higher than a hundred quid. “Perhaps we need to do some work where it needs to be higher because once you start issuing these fines then the message gets delivered and I think you’re on a winner.”
If someone is issued with a fixed penalty notice for dog fouling, they have 14 days to pay the £80 penalty.
If no payment is received, or the notice is disputed, a court summons will be issued.
If found guilty, an owner could be fined up to £1,000.