The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Group calls for shock tactics to catch out ‘lazy’ pet owners
fouling: People are failing to pick up properly after their dogs, leaving bags beside bins
A Glenrothes community group is encouraging people to report dog owners who allow their pets to foul in public.
Peter Scobie, chairman of the Pitteuchar, Stenton and Finglassie Community Council, said special dog mess bins are lying half-full while owners leave bags of faeces at the side of pavements.
“I took my own dog out for a walk and checked the bins recently,” he said.
“There were bags around the side of the bin but there was still plenty of space inside. People are just too lazy to pick up after their pets.”
Mr Scobie said residents had contacted the community council to suggest additional dog bins be installed.
However, he believes sterner action needs to be taken against repeat offenders, and has called on members of the public to report those who were failing to clear up after their animals.
He said: “Enforcement officers can’t go to an area and hang about all day, but if they know when offenders might be about then the public can tell officers so they can be caught in the act.
“We might need to shock people to make them more responsible.
“There is no need for the community council to buy extra bins if the current bins are not being used properly.”
Fines of £80 can be issued to dog owners who fail to clean up in public places.
Dawn Jamieson, team manager for safer communities at Fife Council, said enforcement officers would be directed to specific locations if the public provide the necessary information.
“Fife is a beautiful region and we want to keep it that way. We’re working hard to improve the quality of life in our communities.
“If you get caught not clearing up after your dog, you could receive an £80 fine.
“Everyone can help by reporting instances of dog fouling to the council.
“Information that helps us to identify an offender and the best time to catch them walking their dog is very useful.
“If dog fouling is an issue affecting your area please tell us exactly where and the best time to catch the culprits.”
The safer communities team can be contacted on 03451 550022 or emailing safercommunities.officers@fife.gov.uk.
There is no need for the community council to buy extra bins if the current bins are not being used properly. COMMUNITY COUNCIL CHAIRMAN PETER SCOBIE