A campaign to tackle the problem of dog fouling has been hailed a success by reminding dog owners in Caernarfon to clean up after their pets.
An awareness raising day was held recently in Caernarfon where staff from a number of agencies including Gwynedd Council’s Street Enforcement Team and the Council’s Countryside Service along with an officer from North Wales Police took part by encouraging dog-owners to clean-up after their pets.
The day’s aim was to raise awareness among dog owners of the importance of cleaning up after their pets. Partners distributed numerous free dog fouling clean-up packs and new warning signs were also put in place. Also, two fixed penalty notices were handed out to offenders.
Whilst many dog owners act responsibly by cleaning after their pets, unfortunately there is a minority that continue to breach the law by letting their dogs treat the streets and public places as an open air toilet. One of the day’s main messages was that this environmental crime and such behaviour will not be tolerated.
Iona Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s Tidy Towns Officer said:
“Dog fouling is a very serious and unpleasant matter. Failing to clean–up after you dog can be dangerous – it can lead to health risks. Indeed, the toxicara germ found in dog faeces can lead to serious diseases especially in children resulting in blindness and illness.
“We therefore urge every dog owner to be responsible – by picking up after your dog. You can help to ensure that our local environment is safer, cleaner and tidier for everyone.”
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Senior Portfolio Leader for the Environment on Gwynedd Council added:
“Gwynedd Council’s Street Wardens walk the county’s streets in an attempt to ensure that the people of Gwynedd live in a quality environment. We should all be able to walk the street without worrying about where we put our feet – that is why any dog owner that ignores the law can face an on the spot fine.”
PCSO Annette Jones, Reassurance Officer for the Caernarfon area noted:
“It is disappointing that a small number of dog owners allow their dogs to foul in public areas within our community which spoils the enjoyment of our town for others. Along with it being very unpleasant, it is a health hazard for young children. Individuals need to realise that what they are doing is wrong and if they are caught, they could receive a £75 fixed penalty fine or even have to appear in court. It only takes two seconds to pick up your dog’s muck and put it in the bin, and we urge all dog owners to be responsible and keep their community clean.”
Gwynedd Council Street Wardens will be monitoring villages and towns in the county to ensure that people do not commit environmental offences such as failing to clean after their dogs, littering and fly tipping.
It is an offence to let a dog in your care foul in a public place. Anyone ignoring this law will face and on the spot fine of up to £75, either from Gwynedd Council’s Street Enforcement Officers, the Councils Marine or Country Parks staff or Police Community Support Officers. If the individual refuses to pay the given fine they could face a court summons and a fine of up to £1,000.
The awareness raising day in Caernarfon was organised and funded by the Assembly Government’s Tidy Towns Scheme. For more information about the Tidy Towns scheme in Gwynedd contact Gwynedd Council’s Tidy Towns Officer on 01766 771000, email: [email protected] or go to the website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/tidytowns
