Dog-Fouling Crackdown at Beauty Spots

Ribble Valley Borough Council dog wardens and the police will be targeting residents who let their pets poop on private land and leave the mess behind.

Special signs have been erected at over 20 dog-fouling hotspots, including Longridge Fell, West Bradford Bridge , Dinckley Wood, Wilpshire, Langho and several sites in Clitheroe, asking dog-owners to clean up their mess. Dog warden patrols will also be increased at the sites.

Ribble Valley Borough Council's environmental health manager, James Russell, said: "There has been a thirty per cent increase in complaints about dog-fouling recently and the council is committed to taking action."

"We will particularly be targeting popular footpaths that cross farmland, as dog-fouling is hazardous and can result in significant commercial loss to livestock owners.

"There is a common misconception among dog owners that they don't have to clean up their pet's mess from fields, but that is not the case, particularly on private land.

"It is the duty of dog owners to clean up after their pets, wherever they foul, and there are no excuses for leaving dog mess in public places.

"We are asking dog owners to play their part in keeping Ribble Valley a clean and special place."

If you want to report dog-fouling contact the Ribble Valley Borough Council Dog Warden Service on 01200 414464.

Ends.

Ref: PR1210.

Date: March 15 2010.