Dog fouling fine doubles

From 1st April the fine for dog owners who fail to pick up after their dog will rise from £40 to £80 , bringing it into line with the fine for other types of littering.

The change comes after the overwhelming majority of responses to a Scottish Government consultation on responsible dog ownership said they would support the fixed penalty being raised.

As well as the fixed penalty, the Scottish Government is also considering how to develop a more robust system of enforcement.

Derek Robertson, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful said: “We welcome the doubling of the fixed penalty notice for dog fouling, a measure supported by 63% of people asked in a YouGov Poll commissioned by Keep Scotland Beautiful in August 2015.

“Increasing the fine to £80 is a positive step in the right direction and will send a clear message to irresponsible dog owners that their actions have a negative impact on people and communities. However, increased fines form only part of the solution and that is why we are leading a national stakeholder group to develop an action plan on the issue."

Chair of The Highland Council’s Community Services Committee, Councillor Allan Henderson, added: “Dog mess is not only unpleasant but also presents a health risk, particularly to children. The increased fine will hopefully impress upon the small minority of dog owners who do not pick up after their dog has fouled the seriousness of the offence, along with other littering including fag ends and chewing gum.”

“Dog owners should never take their pets out without a supply of plastic bags as not having one is no excuse under the law. Bags should always be placed in a public litter bin or, if none is available taken home for disposal.”

Members of the public who wish to report instances of dogs being allowed to foul in public places can contact The Council by calling 01349 886603 or emailing recycle@highland.gov.uk

For further information visit www.highland.gov.uk/recycle and www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org