3:53pm Monday 8th February 2010
OFFICIALS are getting tough in their battle against dog-fouling.
Anyone caught not cleaning up after the pet will be issued with an instant £50 fine.
Since the turn of the year reports of dog fouling across the Hambleton district have rocketed – and a third of all requests for street cleaning services have been about it.
Although the problem is widespread, there are particular problems in Crakehall, Bedale, Northallerton, Great Ayton and Thirsk.
And in one street in particular - Iddison Drive in Bedale - 26 deposits were cleared in just one day recently.
Hambleton’s Street Scene manager John Proud said: "We will not tolerate this foul mess - it is the responsibility of the dog owner, or person in charge of the animal, to clear up deposits left by it.
"It is not an excuse to say they were unaware of it or did not have suitable means of removing the faeces – we want them to think how they would feel if they got it on their shoes, their baby’s pram, grandma’s wheelchair or even worse was picked up by their child."
He added: "Dog fouling is not only unpleasant it is a danger to public health and the people of Hambleton should not have to put up with it because of inconsiderate dog owners."
Fines of £50 rise to up to £1000 if the case ends up in court.
Anyone who witnesses fouling should report it to streets|@hambleton.gov.uk or 0845 1211 555.
*Hambleton District Council is also asking local residents to complete an online poll at hambleton.gov.uk - "Would you report someone to the council for littering and dog fouling."
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