Warning to dog owners as more are fined

There has been a tenfold increase in the number of fixed penalty fines issued to those who fail to clean up after their pets.

By the end of the council year, April 1, more than 20 people will have been served with notices, compared with an average of only two per year at the start of the decade.

Sean Little, of the district council environment unit, said targets had been set for the number of fixed penalty notices to be issued by the dog warden.

"Two or three years ago we used to give out perhaps two a year but we are on target this year for 24," he said. "There is no doubt that word is getting round. We are very proactive on this problem."

Mr Little's comments came as Coun Tony Pelton demanded the district dog warden visited Catterick Village more often.

He and fellow ward member Coun Pat Brennan said residents had complained about dog dirt in several areas.

However, Mr Little said only two other complaints in Catterick Village had been received by the council since January 2000.

"The problem isn't as big as Coun Pelton makes out but that isn't to say we won't visit the village," he said.

The dog warden covered the whole of Richmondshire and devoted part of his time to rounding up strays and covert surveillance of owners.

"We only have one warden so we have to concentrate on those areas which generate the most complaints: Richmond and Colburn, some hotspots in Leyburn and one or two of the villages," said Mr Little.

Coun Pelton said three new dog bins were needed for Catterick, including the sports field and the footpath entrance to the racecourse.

Mr Little said purchase and fixing of dog bins were the responsibility of parish councils, though the district council was willing to empty them free of charge once they were in place.

"Our operatives tell us that dog bins are worth installing, as people do tend to use them well," he said. "Owners should realise that, if they fail to clean up after their pet, they risk a hefty fine."