With the clocks having recently gone forward and the darker nights now with us, South Somerset District Council is urging dog owners to clean up after their pets.
Rumblings on social media of an increasing problem with dog fouling, particularly in Yeovil, have prompted enforcement officers from the Streetscene department to step up patrols across the district in a bid to catch any offenders failing to remove their pets mess.
Flyers and dog waste bags will also be handed out to dog walkers by enforcement officers across south Somerset in an attempt to highlight the maximum fine for not clearing up after their pet. The maximum fine is £1000.
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.
Portfolio holder for Environment and Economic Development, Councillor Jo Roundell Greene said, “We want to make it clear that failing to remove dog fouling is unacceptable and that we can issue fixed penalties for this offence. It is a shame that people do not make the effort to keep our wonderful towns clean. To leave dog mess lying around is shameful – it does not take much to carry a scoop or bag around with you.”
Incidents of dog fouling can be reported to the council by calling 01935 462462 and speaking to an enforcement officer confidentially.