No excuse for not picking up your dog's mess

Cyngor Gwynedd is reminding the county’s dog owners of their responsibility to clean up after their pets in public places.

 

People who don't bag and bin the muck responsibly – for example by using a public bin or their own wheelie bin at home – could receive a financial penalty or even be prosecuted by the courts.

 

While Cyngor Gwynedd staff are responsible for keeping the streets clean within the county's towns, villages and estates, it is the responsibility of dog owners to pick up their pet’s poo. Failing to do so is an environmental offence and causes a nuisance to everyone else as they walk the streets, enjoy the seaside or visit other public spaces.

 

In rare cases, exposure to dog excrement can lead to serious illness such as toxocariasis, which can cause breathing difficulties and blindness.

 

Councillor Berwyn Parry Jones, Cyngor Gwynedd’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Council’s Street Services, said: "Dog poo on the pavement and in playing fields is an issue that is still raised by the public all the time.

 

“It's awful when someone treads in it and it's carried into their home, into a school or a shop on their shoes. I also hear from parents who have accidentally got dog poo into the tread of their baby buggy or on the wheels of their children’s scooters.

 

"Unfortunately, we tend to see the problem get worse at the beginning of winter. But my message is clear to dog owners – just because it's dark or rainy it’s no excuse for not stopping for a moment to pick your dog's mess up while you're out on a walk.

 

"More people than ever are now dog-owners and we are extremely grateful to the vast majority who take their responsibility to their community seriously by carrying poop-bags every time they go for a walk and picking up after their dog. But a small minority causes problems for everyone.

 

“There is no excuse, especially as free bags are available from the Council at the three Siop Gwynedd offices (Caernarfon, Dolgellau, Pwllheli) and from every Library in the county."

 

In accordance with the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, Cyngor Gwynedd has the power to prosecute people who allow their dogs to foul in public places. This can result in an on-the-spot penalty of £100 or £1,000 if the case is pursued and found guilty by the courts.

 

Councillor Berwyn Parry Jones added: "If a member of the public has evidence that someone is allowing their dog to foul in a public place with no attempt to clear up afterwards, they can contact the Council so that our officers can investigate the matter. Calls from the public will be handled discreetly and in confidence.

 

"Very recently, financial penalties have been handed out to members of the public for their reckless and selfish behaviour. 

 

"If the problem of dog poo is a concern in your community, why not help spread the message about the importance of responsible dog ownership by sharing the posts about the subject we publish on the Council's social media."

 

Further information can be found on the Gwynedd Council website: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/dogs. Dog fouling problems can also be reported on the website at:  www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/DogFouling or via the apGwynedd app.

 

Notes

Toxocarasis is a rare illness. The risk of contracting it can be reduced by washing your hands regularly and thoroughly and making sure your pets are wormed regularly. More information about the infection can be found on the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/conditions/toxocariasis/