Dog mess row probe

A councillor who campaigns against irresponsible dog walkers is under investigation – for failing to clean up after his own pet.

Macduff’s Mark Findlater was spotted by a local woman “kicking” dog mess into bushes at Palmercove, near Banff Bridge.

Kelly Noble witnessed the incident while driving to work.

A ferocious row broke out on a local community Facebook page about whether the former soldier’s actions were against the law or not. Dog fouling carries an £80 penalty – the only exemption is on “agricultural” land.

The Conservative councillor responded that it was a matter for Aberdeenshire Council’s dog wardens and Mrs Noble has now reported him to environmental health.

She said: “I’m disgusted

“If that were someone else they’d get fined”

at him. Mark’s hands were full and he kicked grass on it then flicked it into the bushes. If that were someone else they’d get fined by the wardens.

“He’s all about other people’s dog mess being picked up – why doesn’t he have to pick it up?”

But Mr Findlater was defiant last night, and called himself a “champion” of the council’s Green Dog Walkers campaign.

The initiative is described by the authority as a “non-confrontational and friendly” way to change attitudes towards dog fouling.

Mr Findlater said: “I was in the countryside – I flicked it in the bushes. Why pick it up when it will just go into landfill? I’m really upset because I’ve done so much for the green campaign.”

Aberdeenshire Council have confirmed the dog warden is looking into the incident.