Pick Up Or Pay Up warning to dog owners

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Pick Up Or Pay Up warning to dog owners

An eye-catching campaign to remind dog owners to clean up after their pets or face on-the-spot fines is under way in Cotswolds.

Cotswold District Council is introducing fixed penalty notices for dog fouling offences for the first time from December 1st.

Environmental wardens are busy putting up posters and signs to warn pet owners of the consequences of failing to bag and bin dog mess.

The posters, featuring the slogans �Pick up or Pay Out�, �No Good Begging� and �Bag It and Bin It� will be placed on noticeboards, waste vehicles and a number of the District�s 300 dog waste bins.

The signs, featuring a red warning sign and the message �Clean It Up�, are being fixed to lamp-posts to remind people of the law. Sticker versions of the signs are being issued to residents to place on properties which are close to public problem areas. Members of the public can request stickers by calling 01285 623000 or pick them up from Council offices.

The Council has adopted new powers under the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act, enabling it to issue instant penalties of �75 to dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets.

Offenders who do not pay up may face prosecution, which could lead to a fine of up to �1,000.

The on-the-spot fines will be handed out by the Council�s Environmental Wardens and other staff. The wardens will also investigate complaints from members of the public about persistent offenders.

The Council will continue with its education campaign about the consequences of dog fouling. Free biodegradable �poop scoop� bags, are available from CDC offices in Cirencester and Moreton.

Council Leader Cllr Lynden Stowe said: �Our decision to issue on-the-spot fines reflects our number one priority of working towards a cleaner, greener Cotswolds.

�Most dog owners are responsible and take pride in our environment. However, anyone who fails to clean up after their dog after it has fouled our streets should be aware that we are ready to take action.

�Dog waste can be picked up with a poop scoop or ordinary carrier bag and deposited in one of the many dog bins or litter bins in the district or double bagged and put out in the household rubbish.�

The clampdown is part of the Council�s ongoing Keep The Cotswolds Clean campaign to spread the message that dog fouling, throwing rubbish out of cars, dropping cigarette butts, discarding gum and dumping waste will not be tolerated.

Posted : 25/11/2008 16:33:06

PLEASE NOTE: This story has been archived and the information contained within it may no longer be correct.


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