Focus on Dog Fouling in Ness-side Ward

Council officers will be targeting the Inverness Ness-side Ward during January in a bid to tackle the persistent problem of dog fouling. 

This is part of an overall drive by The Highland Council to encourage dog owners to act responsibly by removing dog excrement from public spaces and disposing of the waste in an appropriate manner.

Particular attention will focus on areas within the ward where dog fouling has been reported, including parks and other recreational areas where children are known to play – notably Balloan Road pitches, Hilton, and Macdonald Park, Lochardil.

The Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003 is the key legislation which empowers the Council to issue fixed penalty notices.  Anyone identified as failing to clean up after their dog is liable to receive a fixed penalty of £40, which rises to £60 if not paid within 28 days.

Ness-side Councillor John Finnie, who has pressed for action at the trouble spots, said: “The Council is aware that many dog owners are responsible and do clean up after their pets.  They are frustrated by the minority of owners who continue to behave irresponsibly and break the law on dog fouling.

“During January, we will have a high profile presence in the ward and officers will be clearly visible to dog owners. They will not hesitate to serve fixed penalty notices on dog owners.” 

Information on regular offenders in the Ness-side Ward (and in the Inverness, Nairn and Badenoch & Strathspey Area generally) can be provided to the Council by telephoning (01463) 230634.  Ideally, the Council would like to know where and at what time of day when this usually happens.

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