Dog wardens to tackle foul problem in south Leeds (Leeds Liberal Democrats)

Leeds Liberal Democrats <info@leedslibdems.org.uk>

Dog wardens to tackle foul problem in south Leeds

October 6, 2009 12:00 AM

Inconsiderate dog owners in Morley and Rothwell are to be targeted in a council crackdown, over claims from residents that dog fouling is becoming a major problem.

Leeds City Council's Outer South Area Committee has commissioned the council's dog warden service to tackle dog fouling in Morley and Rothwell following concerns from residents that it is a growing problem.

The project will see council dog wardens conduct out-of-hours patrols in dog fouling 'hotspots' until early November, as well as two events where people can get their dog microchipped. A leaflet will be distributed to promote how residents can report dog fouling and raise awareness of the dangers of leaving dog waste on the streets.

The next microchipping event will be at Springhead Park, Rothwell, on Sunday 18th October, from 11am to 2.30pm.

Leeds City Council takes a zero tolerance approach to dog fouling offences. Dog fouling is dirty, unsightly, a nuisance and also has serious health implications, especially for children and pregnant women.

It causes a major problem across the city and the council spends thousands of pounds cleaning up after inconsiderate dog owners, who face a £75 Fixed Penalty Notice or - if they fail to pay - prosecution in the Magistrates Court where the maximum fine is £1,000.

To report any incidents of dog fouling or to contact the council's dog wardens, call 0113 222 4406 or e-mail environmental.action@leeds.gov.uk

Councillor James Monaghan, Leeds City Council's executive board member for environmental health, said:

"If you don't pick up after your dog then you're not just leaving a mess, you're creating a health hazard and contributing to a problem we have to spend a lot of money dealing with.

"We want to promote responsible dog ownership and we'd encourage both residents and owners to come along to these events so that we can work together to stamp out the problem of dog fouling."

Councillor Terry Grayshon, chair of the Outer South Leeds Area Committee, said:

"I am pleased that we are able to bring a crackdown to an area our residents have told us has a growing problem with dog fouling.

"The majority of dog owners are considerate, but there are still those who do not take their responsibilities seriously."