Punish dirty dog owners
Being an active walker, who travels all over the North East to enjoy a stroll and take in the many splendid sights to be found in our region, I wish to express my disgust at the amount of dog dirt I encounter when out and about.
Why should I have to keep one eye on the ground to avoid stepping into something unpleasant?
The vast majority of dog owners, I’m sure, clean up after their pets, but the few who do not spoil our walkways and pavements and should be punished for their actions.
This is what Keep Britain Tidy says about dog fouling: I hope those thoughtless dog owners take note.
“Dog mess is the most unacceptable and offensive type of litter on our streets,” states the charity.
“Our research tells us that dog fouling is the issue the public are most concerned about.
“Dog fouling is not only deeply unpleasant, it is dangerous. Whilst rare, contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures.
“It’s no wonder dog fouling is such a problem – there are estimated to be more than eight million dogs producing more than 1,000 tonnes of mess every day in the UK alone.
“While most dog owners are caring, responsible individuals, there are still some people who do not clean up after their pets.
“Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100. If the case goes to court this could cost the owner or person in charge of the animal up to £1,000.
“The law states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse.”
So the deterrents are there to rid us of this menace: it’s high time local authorities did more to enforce them.
Name and address supplied.