“I’m a doctor”, “I’m a prison officer”, “I left my bag in the Car”, “He’s already been once today so I haven’t got a bag with me.”
These are just some of the excuses people caught not cleaning up their dogs mess. Wrexham Council is now warning people they face a maximum fine of £1000 for not cleaning up their pets mess.
Officers have seen a rise in cases of dog fouling in recent months and have now lifted the lid on some of the excuses they have heard from people who have been caught in the act.
It’s estimated the nation’s dogs produce 1,000 tonnes of excrement a day. The biggest threat to public health from dog excrement is toxocariasis, which can cause blindness, dizziness, nausea, asthma and epileptic fits, especially in children.
Other unreasonable excuses for not picking up dog mess are:
“My bags are in my other jacket”
“I don’t see any signs nearby”
“It’s not on the path so it’s not a nuisance to anybody”
“There isn’t a bin nearby”
“I didn’t see my dog do it, he was too far away”
“You can’t expect a dog to read the signs (!)”
“She’s not my dog; I’m just looking after her.”
Under the THE FOULING OF LAND BY DOGS (WREXHAM COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL) ORDER 2009 individuals in charge of the dog can be prosecuted and face a fine of up to £1000 if their pet is caught fouling. In most cases the individual is given the option of paying a fixed penalty currently set at £75 which discharges any further liability.
When out with your dog you should always be prepared to clean up if your dog defecates. Dog waste bags are easily carried and readily available from most pet stores and vets. Plastic carrier bags can be re-used for the same purpose. Dog waste wrapped in this way can be disposed of in any ordinary litter bin or red dog waste bin. If no litter bins are available the waste should be taken home and placed with normal household waste.
Cllr David Bithell, Lead Member for Environment and Transport said:
“While the majority of dog owners socially responsible. There are those who do not pick up their dog’s mess, or do not dispose of it properly by hanging dog bags from trees.”
“Every dog owner should be aware that it is their legal requirement to clean up the waste left behind by their dog.There really is no excuse for not disposing of dog mess. Our officers have noticed a real increase in the past few months and this is unacceptable.”
“The message is simple: either pick up and place in a bin or be prepared to pay up.”
