Dog mess fine prompts zero tolerance plan

Fylde Council is repeating its ‘zero tolerance’ warning to errant pet owners after a dog walker was issued with a £50 fixed penalty notice.

The man was on Ramsgate Road Playing Fields in St Annes when a dog warden saw the man’s dog foul. The owner showed no signs of wanting to remove the mess and, when challenged, said he did not have poop-scoop bags.

Coun David Eaves, chairman of Fylde Council’s operational management committee, said: “Dog-dirt is highly unpleasant and can even cause blindness so we simply have a blanket zero tolerance approach.

“Residents have a right to healthy and clean open spaces and most dog-owners recognise that and act responsibly.

“Sadly there is a minority of owners who can’t be bothered, so we now have our dog wardens working weekends, evenings and early mornings.”

Anyone wanting to report dog-fouling can call (01253) 658658 or email [email protected].