11 February 2008, 08/33
Clean up after your dog
Dog owners face a £50 spot fine - or even a court appearance - if
they don't clear up after their dogs.
The warning has come after residents in the Scott ward in Ormskirk
complained about a spate of dog fouling in some of the area's
streets and around West End Primary School.
Following the complaints patrols have been carried out in the area
involving the Council's dog control enforcement officer, police
Community Beat Manager and the Police Community Support
Officer.
One area particularly affected has been a footpath across a field
near to West End Primary School, often used by dog-walkers in the
evenings. Many are failing to clean up, causing problems for
children and adults going to school in the mornings.
Cllr Martin Forshaw, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Health,
said: "Dog owners who allow their dogs to foul are not just acting
irresponsibly, but anti-socially too. There are a number of health
risks associated with dog fouling, the main one being Toxocariasis
which in severe cases, can cause blindness. Children are especially
vulnerable because their immune systems may not be as developed as
an adult's".
"The message is clear, act responsibly and clean up after your dog.
The Council will pursue, through the courts if necessary, anyone
caught allowing their dog to foul and refusing to clear it
up."
If you have any information that may assist the Council to identify
those people who allow their dogs to foul in this area, please
contact Philippa Sandells, the dog control enforcement officer on
01695 585353, or email phillipa.sandells@westlancsdc.gov.uk
Related information
> Dog
control