Covert tactics, the threat of eviction, and “naming and shaming” may be used to combat the scourge of dog fouling in Angus.
As the county’s pavements demand “a ballet-dance round a minefield” and parks continue to be covered in “gold stars of laziness”, Angus councillors met to discuss ways to curb a growing problem.
More than 500 complaints and 680 requests for clean-ups were lodged with Angus Council in 2011-12, and its neighbourhood services committee heard the “society problem” of dog fouling is on the rise.
Convener Donald Morrison said the council is doing its best to “clear up the mess after those who can’t be bothered to pick it up after them, or the gold stars of laziness, those who do bag it but leave it on a tree, on a fence or unbelievably under a dog waste bin as a trophy to their own irresponsibility”.
However, a more proactive approach has been decided on, rather than merely cleaning up.
Parks staff, countryside rangers, environmental staff and housing officers will be empowered to issue fixed penalty notices, with the threat of eviction for repeat offenders. Discussions will also be held with the procurator fiscal service to develop how cases should be reported to the Crown for further action.
Montrose Lib Dem Councillor David May said he is delighted to see more people given the power to issue fixed penalty notices but would like to see more visibility of offenders in the press.
For more on this story, see Friday’s Angus edition of The Courier or try our digital edition.