North Tyneside Council is launching a new crackdown on irresponsible dog walkers who refuse to pick up after their animals.
Keeping the borough’s streets, parks and green spaces free of litter and dog dirt is a priority and the council issues £50 on the spot fines to anyone who fails to clear up their dog’s mess.
Now the council’s community and public spaces protection team is asking residents to be on the lookout and report anyone who allows their dog to foul and doesn’t pick up after it. The call can be anonymous and all calls will be acted upon.
The team will also be targeting specific areas where residents report dog fouling to be a problem.
In recent months 11 dog walkers have been issued with £50 on the spot fines for failing to pick up after their animal.
Earlier this year a Wallsend resident who failed to pay a fixed penalty fine was taken to court and ordered to pay a fine of £495 imposed by North Tyneside Magistrates.
Elected Mayor Norma Redfearn said: “The council is committed to tackling this problem and we are sending a clear message to irresponsible dog owners that dog fouling is completely unacceptable and people will be fined or taken to court if they don’t pick up after their dog.
“I know that most dog owners are caring, responsible people who respect the local environment and always pick up after their pet. I hope they will support us in this latest crackdown and report the minority of irresponsible people who are giving dog owners a bad name.”
Colin Boxshall, the council’s community and public spaces protection manager, added: “We have a zero tolerance approach and dog walkers are warned to either pick up after their dogs or risk a £50 fine.”
People with information about someone who fails to clean up after their pet can contact the community protection team on 0345 2000 103 or by visiting the council’s website: www.northtyneside.gov.uk. Anyone making a report does not need to give their name.
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