Council urges dog owners in Nuneaton to 'pick it up'

Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said they have seen an increase in levels of dog fouling.

In line with the Dog Control Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) owners are required to keep their pets on leads in certain places, out of certain sensitive areas and to pick up dog waste.

Anyone who fails to clear up after their dog can be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of up to £100. Owners who do not pay the fixed penalty fine could face a prosecution resulting in a criminal record, a fine of up to £1000 and having to cover the Council’s legal costs.

The law states that being unaware a dog has fouled or not having a suitable bag is not a reasonable excuse.  Dedicated dog-fouling bins are provided; however, any public bin can be used to take pet mess.

Cllr Julian Gutteridge, Portfolio holder for Health and Environment said:

“We thank those people who take the time to clean up after their pets, but we are seeing an unfortunate rise in these incidents of late. Dog mess is not only unsightly, it can also be dangerous. We are appealing to all dog owners to please be responsible and dispose of their pet’s mess appropriately.”

Whilst rare, contact with dog excrement can cause toxocariasis – a nasty infection that can lead to dizziness, nausea, asthma and even blindness or seizures.