Call for spot fines over dog fouling

Dog owners who walk their pets without a poo bag would be fined under calls for a tough new law.

C o u n c i l l o r James MacLaren wants to make it illegal to take pets onto public ground without a waste sack.

The Tory leader hailed local author i t i e s in England and abroad that have introduced similar legislation.

He will call for changes to made in a motion before the council tomorrow.

It stated: “This council recognises that there is an ongoing problem of dog fouling in Renfrewshire and commends Daventry District Council for making it illegal to walk your dog without carrying a dog poo bag.

“A similar law exists in Australia.”

“Council instructs the director of Environmental and Communities to investigate and bring a report back to committee on the feasibility of making it illegal to walk your dog on public ground without carrying a bag to pick up your dog poo.” Daventry District Council, in Northamptonshire, introduced laws compelling owners to prove how they would clear mess three years ago.

Its officers dole out £100 on the spot fines for those without bags – whether their pets foul or not. Those who ignore the penalty from could be hit by a £1,000 fine.

Council chiefs have launched a scheme to shame dog owners by spraying waste fluorescent pink.

They say the Team Up to Clean Up campaign will highlight the issue of fouling by using spray paint.

Critics have slammed the move as a waste of time and money.

Councillor Carolann Davidson, Labour member for Paisley East and Central, hit out at the move.

She said: “They are actually going to spray paint dog fouling with fluorescent paint and leave it for 48 hours before sending out another team to lift it.

“So now, if you step on a poo you’ll also get paint all over your shoes.”