Dogs fouling in the dark
ENVIRONMENTAL health officers in Shetland have launched a poster campaign after the number of pets fouling the streets of Lerwick under the cover of darkness has shot up.
Shetland Islands Council environmental health manager Maggie Dunne said that dog fouling had increased by 60 per cent in some neighbourhoods compared to the lighter summer nights.
The new poster campaign draws attention to the fact that dog fouling is completely unacceptable, whether it happens during the day or after dark.
“The majority of dog owners do pick up after their dogs, but there is a selfish minority who are leaving our public areas filthy. We need you to help us target these owners and make our proactive patrols more effective,” she said.
Anybody witnessing anyone letting their dog foul a public place is asked to contact the department on 01595 744 801.
“We will then make contact with the owner to remind them to clean up after their dog and target patrols in the area so we can catch them and issue a fine if they still aren’t clearing up,” she said.
It is an offence to not clean up after your dog in a public place. This offence carries a fixed penalty fine of £40, going up to £60 if not paid within 28 days.
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