Call for legal action over dog fouling outside school
ANGRY parents are demanding legal action against irresponsible dog owners who are allowing their pets to foul right outside school gates.
An online petition has been launched following a large rise in dog mess being left outside Oak Tree Primary in Cheadle Hulme.
It asks the council for more dog warden patrols and tough prosecution action for anyone caught.
The petition was set up by mum-of-three Natalie Peters, who sends some of her children to the Queens Road school, and so far it has attracted more than 150 signatures.
She said: “Not only is dog mess a nuisance but it is a health hazard, particularly to children, which makes it all the more infuriating to find it directly outside a school.
“Not all dog owners are to blame, it is an irresponsible minority. It is time we put an end to it and show this minority and the council that we, the local residents, will not stand for it any longer. It is high time something is done. It’s right outside the school gate and at the crossing point, I’ve seen children standing in it waiting for the bus.”
The problem first reared its head two years ago but has been getting progressively worse, says Natalie.
The school is supporting the campaign and is currently running a competition for pupils to design an anti-dog fouling poster.
Owners caught not picking up after their dog can be given an on the spot penalty of £50 or a fine of up to £1,000 on summary conviction.
Natalie added: “I’m a dog owner myself but I pick up after it. You report it to the council and they do clean it up but it quickly happens again.
“It needs stopping in the first place. If the council prosecuted a few people, slapped them with a £1,000 fine and advertised it that would make these people think.
“You come out of school at home time and all you can hear is ‘watch out for the poo’.”
Caroline Simpson, the council’s corporate director for place, said: “We are aware of this issue and our dog warden has patrolled the area.
“Residents are encouraged to report dog fouling through our website and give detailed infor- mation about location and time of day, so patrols can be targeted accordingly.
“Requests for street cleaning or signage can also be made.”