Dog owners in Torfaen are being reminded they must clean-up after their pets.
While the majority of dog owners are responsible, there is still a significant minority who let their dogs foul the borough’s streets and green areas.
An area of particular concern is Blaenavon, especially around Blaenavon rugby ground.
The executive member for housing, planning and public protection, councillor Gwyneira Clark, said: “This is a big problem, with serious health implications. Members of Blaenavon RFC regularly have to pick up faeces from all over the pitch before they can train or play.
“There is absolutely no excuse for failing to pick up dog mess and we strongly urge dog owners to depose of dog faeces responsibly.”
Regular surveillance visits in Blaenavon have increased and 13 fixed penalty notices of £75 have been issued to dog walkers in the last few months.
A local man, David Giles, was also prosecuted at Abergavenny magistrates, where he was fined £100, ordered to pay £50 towards prosecution costs and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £15.
Councillor Clark added: “Dog owners are encouraged to carry a bag when out with their dogs so they can clean up after them.
“Any plastic bag can be used and the waste can be disposed of in any bin, as long as the bag is securely tied.”
To report a dog fouling problem, contact 01633 647621/22.
Photograph: A vey nice dog who is a friend of the editor. She does not live in Torfaen and would never dream of ‘doing a whoopsie’ in the street
