Council appeal over irresponsible dog owners - drop them in it!

Members of the public are being urged to report irresponsible dog owners who fail to clean up after their dog in public spaces.

Selby District Council is appealing for residents who see dog owners fail to remove, bag and bin dog excrement to give officers a call and 'drop them in it'.

The move is part of the council's ongoing 'Don’t be a Waster' campaign which aims to promote waste reduction, reuse and respect for our local environment.

Cllr Richard Musgrove said, “Dog fouling is totally unacceptable. The vast majority of dog owners are responsible and clean up after their pets.

“During July we’ll be reminding everyone how easy it is to report someone for not picking up after their dog – and the penalties for doing so.

“Failing to clean up after your dog is anti-social, smelly and can spread diseases. There are no excuses for failing to clean up after your dog and if we catch you, we will fine you.”

The council points out that it is an offence for a person in charge of a dog in a public place to not to clean up its faeces. Failure to clean up after a dog has fouled may result in a fixed penalty fine of £75, payable within 14 days, or a fine of up to £1,000 if court action is taken.

Residents who witness dog fouling are asked to contact the council and provide as much information as possible. To report dog fouling, visit www.selby.gov.uk/dogfouling, email info@selby.gov.uk or telephone 01757 705101.

When reporting an offence of dog fouling please think about the following:

• Do you know of a dog owner who never, or hardly ever, picks up after their pet?
• Do they usually walk the dog at a certain time during the day?
• What times are the offences being committed?
• Where are the offences being committed?
• What does the dog look like?
• What does the owner look like?
• If the dog owner using a car, what is the number on the registration plate?