Dog owners in South Somerset are being reminded pick up after their pets this winter or face the possibility of a fine.
With the clocks having recently gone backwards and the darker nights now with us, patrols by enforcement officers will be stepped up across the district in a bid to catch any offenders failing to pick up after their pets.
South Somerset District Council is reminding dog owners that anyone caught allowing their dog, or any dog that they are in charge of to mess in a public place, they may be issued with a fixed penalty notice for £80. Failure to pay could lead to a fine of up to £1,000.
A council spokesman said, “We would like to remind dog owners that, fixed penalty notices can be issued on the evidence of any member of the public. If anyone sees anyone not cleaning up after their dog please report the incident, giving the enforcement officers as much information as possible.”
Dog walkers are reminded that they should be clearing up after their dogs everywhere.
Councillor Carol Goodall, Portfolio Holder for Environmental Health said, “Our Enforcement Officers can and will issue fixed penalty notices to offenders, but we can’t be everywhere. That is why we are appealing to residents to help us identify those dog owners who are failing to pick up after their pets.
“Anyone who has information can contact us – by working together we can make the streets and open spaces of South Somerset cleaner”.
Incidents of dog fouling can be reported to the council by calling 01935 462462 and speaking to an enforcement officer confidentially.