Council wages war on errant dog owners (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Council wages war on errant dog owners

A major crackdown on Cricklade dog owners is planned after numerous complaints from townspeople about dog mess.

Dog fouling has been a major problem in the town, but now councillors have decided to employ the services of the Swindon dog warden to make a

series of raids on known areas where people are failing to pick up after their dogs.

North Wiltshire District Council's dog warden has been on long-term sick leave, meaning dog owners who do not pick up after their dogs have been getting away with it.

Councillor Brian Atfield said: "It is very unpleasant for anyone who steps in the dog mess. They carry it home and that is just terrible.

"A lot of people are responsible dog owners, it is just the minority who are not. There are also health issues, especially for young children, who can catch infections from waste."

Swindon Borough Council operated a similar clamp down in September, which resulted in several people being taken to court and fined for their irresponsible behaviour.

The town council has already provided a display, featuring fake faeces, in the town hall window, which it hopes has highlighted the issue.

People who do not pick up their dog's faeces can be issued with a fixed penalty fine of £50 or prosecuted. The maximum fine from prosecutions is £1,000.

Red dog waste bins are located around the town, or dog owners should take their pet's waste home.