No poo bags..? that’s just fine by us!
ON-THE-SPOT PENALTY IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A POO BAG
DOG owners on Tyneside are to become among the first in Britain to face on-the-spot fines if they fail to prove they are carrying poo bags.
Pet-lovers in the Walkergate and Kenton areas of Newcastle are now at risk of being fined £75 if they fail to prove they have bags to scoop up their dog dirt.
Coun Maureen Lowson, of Walkergate ward, and Stephen Lambert, of Kenton ward, have revealed the plan in an effort to keep public spaces messfree.
Street wardens will patrol hot spots, including Kenton Dene, the Green on Montagu Estate and East End Junior’s football field.
They will be encouraged to especially target the football field due to complaints from fedup players and parents.
Dog owners have to prove they can pick up their pet’s waste by providing evidence in the form of poop bags.
Without one handy, the offender could be fined the £75 immediately.
Coun Lowson said: “We have been approached by both residents and the local football club about the number of dog walkers who will not pick up dog mess.
“Uncollected dog mess is not just unsightly but a health danger to toddlers who play on the field. “We are pushing for enforcement to make that minority wake up to their duties. Clear up after your dog.” To ensure and encourage this, signs will be put up to remind residents to bring a poop bag when out with their dogs. The Kenton Ward Committee has also agreed to provide free bags and scoops at local places such as community centres, the library and schools. Coun Lambert said the message the two communities are trying to get across is it is unacceptable to for people to allow their pets foul public spaces. He added: “Dog mess is a big issue and we are determined to get a grip on it. “Tough measures will be brought in to tackle the irresponsible few who allow their dogs to foul public spaces and parks. “Enforcement is necessary but we also need to educate people about the toxic dangers of dog poo and change behaviour too.”
We’re pushing for enforcement to make the minority wake up to their duties. Clear up after your dog Maureen Lawson