Irresponsible owners targeted in night patrols

The council launched a campaign last year with residents responding ‘brilliantly’ to target problem areas in the borough. It was backed by the mother of a little girl left partially blind after falling in dog mess.

But an increase in reports of dog fouling over the last few weeks has led to the council starting evening and early morning patrols to try and catch irresponsible pet owners. And the borough council say it is mostly ‘responsible’ dog owners who are shopping the selfish ones.

Cabinet member for environment and health, Frank Finlay, blasted the irresponsible dog owners who leave the mess: “I cannot believe people can see the damage caused to this little girl and still refuse to clean up after their dogs.

“But it is great to see most people responding brilliantly – especially the responsible dog owners - in helping us try and stamp out this disgusting environmental crime.”

Recent information from concerned members of the public have identified times and dates when dog walkers have not be cleaning up after their animals. It is an offence not to clear up your dog’s mess which carries a £75 fine.

Councillor Finlay continued: “If you are caught not cleaning up after your dog then you will be fined – there will be no second chance. And it is not an acceptable excuse to say you’ve forgotten to bring a bag or you didn’t see your dog make the mess.

“All people have to do is pick up their dog’s mess and put it in a bin – any rubbish bin.”

Little Amiee Langdon was only two when she lost 75% of the sight in one eye after an infection caused by the mess left in a playground in Manchester. She had wiped her eye with her hand which was covered with dog’s muck after falling over.

Amiee was diagnosed with toxocariasis, a disease passed on to humans by dog or cat poo infected with roundworm, after the incident in a playground in her home town of Manchester last year.

There are dedicated web pages at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/dogs for more information on dog fouling. And to report incidents people can email info@staffordbc.gov.uk or ring 01785 619000.

Press Release No 4424