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Dog excrement in the village is increasingly becoming an issue
– particularly bad spots are on Church Street and on Station
Road near the junction with Grange Lane. South Northants Council
has adopted the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996 which enables
them to designate land where the 'poop-scoop' law applies. The
designated land includes roads, footpaths, school playing fields,
sports fields and parks. It is an offence for a dog owner not
to clean up after their dog in these areas. Failure to comply
can result in a prosecution and fine up to £1,000. It
is no defence to claim ignorance of the dog's actions.
As a dog owner:
· If you have a garden encourage the dog to 'go'
there. You can then bury the mess or alternatively clean
it up and bin it.
· If you walk your dog always carry the means to
clear up after your dog. A simple plastic bag will do the
trick or obtain poop scoops from a local pet shop or the
Council offices. Remember to take a bag or poop-scoop like
you'd remember a lead.
· Every time your dog fouls "bag it and bin
it". Take the poop scoop home and dispose of it there
or use a bin if available. Remember rain does not wash the
problem away.
· Never let your dog out alone to "go to the
loo".
· It is every dog owner’s duty to clean up
after their dog.
As a witness:
· If you see offenders you can report them anonymously
to Helen Hunt, dog warden. She needs to know the location and
time the dog is usually walked together with a description of
the owner and dog. Please call on 01327 322277 or email: environmental.protection@southnorthants.gov.uk.
Thank you for your co-operation!
Liz Hart
Parish Clerk
Helmdon Parish Council
Tel: (01295) 760130 |
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