Dog fouling fines set to rise
PET OWNERS who refuse to pick up after their dogs are to be hit by an increased fine as of April 1.
From that date the fixed penalty for owners who refuse to pick up after their pet is being increased from £40 to £ 80, bringing it in line with the fine for littering.
The move to increase the fine comes after an overwhelming majority of responses to a consultation on responsible dog ownership said they would support the increased deterrent.
Oban Community Action on Dog Fouling has highlighted Soroba and Ganavan as problem locations and the group plans to place a dog fouling banner in Soroba to help raise awareness.
Julie McKenzie of Oban Community Action on Dog Fouling said: ‘I’m delight- ed that following public consultation the Scottish Government has decided to take this positive step to double the dog fouling fine. This sends a clear message to inconsiderate dog owners that their actions will no longer be tolerated in our communities. It also adds power to the elbow of Mairi Bryce and her team of community activists in Oban, who are working hard to combat the fouling problem in the town.’
Minister for community safety and legal affairs Paul Wheelhouse said: ‘Dog fouling can pose potentially significant risks to health, particularly for children, and we’re very clear that dog owners who do not clear up after their dogs are breaking the law.’
Derek Robertson, chief executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: ‘Increasing the fine is a positive step and will send a clear message to irresponsible dog owners that their actions have a negative impact on people and communities.’