Gwynedd Council’s dog fouling prevention campaign has been given a boost thanks to the help of a Caernarfon veterinary practice.
Cibyn Veterinary Clinic has joined forces with the Council’s Tidy Towns team to encourage pet owners to clear up after their dog whilst out and about. The clinic will be handing out free poop-bag dispensers to its clients, which will make it easier for dog owners to dispose of mess in a hygienic and responsible way.
The vast majority of dog owners are conscientious and remember to clear up after their dog using a poop-scoop or bag and dispose of the mess safely. But some people either don’t understand the law or knowingly ignore it by allowing their dogs to treat our roads, streets and public places as an open toilet.
This behaviour is unacceptable, according to Gwynedd Council’s Tidy Towns officer, Iona Thomas.
She said: “We are delighted that Cibyn Veterinary Clinic has got on board with our campaign, it is another way we can reach dog owners and educate them about the importance of clearing up after their animals.
“We are already working in partnership with several authorities such as North Wales Police and Keep Wales Tidy to tackle the issue of dog fouling as people often tell us it is a problem of great concern to them.”
Jill Hubbard a senior vet at the clinic said:
“Not only is dog fouling unpleasant it is also a serious and dangerous issue. Dog faeces contain the parasite Toxocara which can cause server ill health and in rare cases lead to blindness as well as the dogs being ill when carrying a heavy worm burden.”
It is a criminal offence not to clear up after a dog in your charge in a public area. Those accused could be given a £75 fixed penalty fine by Gwynedd Council’s Street Enforcement Wardens or Maritime and Country Parks Staff; or by Police Community Support Officers. Failure to pay the fine could lead to a court summons and a maximum fine of £1,000.
To report any environmental crimes to Gwynedd Council’s Street Enforcement Team telephone 01766 771000 or visit www.gwynedd.gov.uk/do-it-online and choose Report.
This scheme is part of the Welsh Assembly Government’s Tidy Towns scheme. For more information, or to request a dog-poop bag dispenser, contact Gwynedd Council’s Tidy Towns officer on 01766 771000 or e-mail [email protected]
