Dog owners fined

     



An early start brought a good result for Shepway Council's Environmental Community Officers who set out to catch a dog owner who let their pet foul pavements in George Gurr Crescent, Folkestone

Having been alerted by residents who were fed up with the constant fouling, the officers were up at 6.00am last week to patrol the streets. Their efforts were rewarded when they spotted the dog relieving itself and issued a fixed penalty notice of £50 on its owner who had allowed it to foul without clearing up.

A further fine was issued on another owner at Aerodrome Road, Hawkinge.

Cllr Rory Love, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: "Our officers will issue fixed penalty notices of £50 if they catch owners who fail to clear up on any land which is owned or maintained by the council. This covers pavements, verges, parks, recreation grounds, sports pitches and all beaches. Persistent offenders could be taken to court and face a fine of up to £1,000.

"To all dog owners the message is simple: when you are walking your dog, don't leave home without a bag. Then bag it, tie it and bin it every time. If there is no special dog waste bin currently available close by, then you should use an ordinary litter bin.

"The vast majority of dog owners are responsible owners. We will crack down hard on the irresponsible few who spoil the environment for everyone else. No one should have to dodge the dog mess when they are out and about."