A Perth councillor has slammed dog owners who continue to flout the law by allowing their pets to defecate in residential areas.
Alexander Stewart, the Scottish Conservative member for the Perth South ward, told The Courier that the subject continues to be “one of the main concerns” expressed to him by his constituents, particularly in the Darnhall Drive area in Craigie.
Mr Stewart said: “Initiatives like the council’s ‘Bag It and Bin It’ do not seem to have had the desired effect.
“I am disappointed that this initiative, which was complemented by a similar initiative by Craigie Primary School children, has fallen on deaf ears on a number of streets around the school and over to Darnhall.”
He continued: “It has to be reiterated that dog fouling is not only unsightly but hazardous and dangerous to health, especially for young children and the elderly.
“Dog owners have a responsibility for the welfare of their dogs which must include cleaning up after them. Dog poo bags are still available from Perth and Kinross Council free of charge so there is no excuse.”
A council spokeswoman said the local authority recognises that the “vast majority” of dog owners are responsible and ensure they clean up properly after their pets.
“However, it is unfortunately the case that a minority of people choose not to do this,” she said.
“Craigie has been targeted under ‘If They Don’t Bin It, Drop Them In It.’ However, we have received few complaints or information that would help identify the potential culprits.
“We will give consideration to further targeted action in this part of Perth. As such, we would continue to urge residents in Craigie, and around Perth and Kinross, who are concerned about dog fouling in their area, to contact our animal welfare team in confidence.”
She added: “The public are asked to report fouling problems to us providing as much detail as possible about the incident as this helps officers in determining who may be failing to act responsibly so appropriate action can be taken.
“This intelligence-led approach has already seen success in targeting offenders around Perth and Kinross with an increase in the number of fixed penalty notices issued for dog fouling since April last year. The majority of these penalty notices have already been paid.”