Dog owners encouraged to make a New Year resolution
Friday, December 21 2007
Dog owners are being urged to ’Bag it, Tie it, Bin it’ in the New Year.
Scottish Borders Council is running a campaign to make sure dog owners are aware of their legal responsibilities to clean up after their dogs.
Councillor Len Wyse, Executive Member for Environmental Services, who has a Labrador called Budd, said: “I always put a bag in my pocket when I take Budd out – it’s second nature and it means that I can always bag his dirt.
“It’s a really easy resolution to keep once you get into the habit. I hope all dog owners will ‘Bag it, Tie it, Bin it’ in 2008.”
Dog fouling can be a health hazard and some of the illnesses it causes can be serious, particularly for children, so prevention is important.
Owners can dispose of dog dirt in a bin at home or in any public litter bin.
Cllr Wyse added: “If anyone received a puppy for Christmas it is very important to establish a routine as quickly as possible before the novelty rubs off.”
The Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 means that fixed penalties of £40 can be issued on the spot. If there is sufficient evidence, owners of dogs that foul in public places and do not clean up, will face a fixed penalty notice. Alternatively offenders will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
New patrols are enforcing the law throughout the Scottish Borders but in January will be focusing on Galashiels, Duns, Eyemouth and Jedburgh.
People who have a dog fouling problem in their area can call free on 0800 376 1030 or email to report it.
More details about the campaign can be found at: www.scotborders.gov.uk/dogfouling
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