Cardenden residents call on dog owners to clean up after their pets

Community seeking new ways to persuade dog walkers to be more responsible

A dog fouling epidemic is blighting beauty spots in a Fife town, a community leader is claiming.

Residents of Cardenden have complained of a surge in the problem in recent months, despite tough new plans to target offending owners.

The matter was recently discussed by Cardenden Community Council, when members demanded action to prevent the problem spiralling out of control.

David Taylor, secretary of the group, said it was now looking at new ways of persuading residents to pick up after their pets.

“We are trying to encourage people to clear up after their dogs,” he said.

“It seems to be prevalent throughout the community, it’s no longer just specific areas that are affected.

“It’s hard because we want to keep Cardenden clean for everyone, but I think everywhere is going the same way.

“I go down to Kirkcaldy to walk along the prom and it is littered with dog muck.

“You have to keep one eye on the footpath instead of the sea.”

Last year it was revealed that Fife dog walkers caught without a bag to clean up their pets’ mess could face fines.

The tactic has already been employed by local authorities south of the border to battle against negligent owners.

People who are caught without a bag could be liable to a £100 fine.

In 2016, the Scottish Government introduced the Dog Fouling (Fixed Penalty) (Scotland) Order, doubling the penalty for owners who allow dogs to foul from £40 to £80.

It followed a consultation at Holyrood on responsible dog ownership, which received an overwhelming response from the public in favour of tougher penalties for inconsiderate owners.

Local councillor Rosemary Liewald said dog fouling was anti-social and presented a health hazard to members of the public.

She added: “I have two dogs and I know that most dog owners and walkers are highly responsible and carry bags to clean up after their pets.

“However, we cannot ignore the fact that there are some who are not doing this.”

Picture: Steven Brown. Community Council secretary David Taylor and Councillor Rosemary Liewald.

Councillor Liewald said dog fouling is antisocial and presents a public health hazard.