Dog fouling plea for Norton (From Gazette & Herald)

Dog fouling plea for Norton

10:23am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in News

THE eyes and ears of the public are needed to help stamp out dog fouling in Norton, the town council has been told.

Ryedale’s dog warden Brian Dunn said that as the only officer in the district, it was vital people reported incidents in their area to ensure offenders were brought to task.

“My area covers 560 square miles – a vast area – and there are the same problems throughout Ryedale as there are in Norton in that, while the majority of dog owners act responsibly, there are a minority who do not,” he said. “What I need is the help of members of the public who see people allowing their dogs to foul to notify me and allow the necessary action to be taken.”

Mr Dunn said there was a hardcore of dog owners who had disregard for other people and allowed their pets to foul in the snickets used by parents with prams and children walking to and from school.

“I work with community police officers and we are able to issue fixed penalty notices if the offence is seen taking place. If they fail to pay, the offender will be summoned to court after 14 days,” he said. “It really is no trouble to clean up after your dog but it is a constant uphill battle to deal with this problem.”

Mr Dunn said Norton was well-served by dog bins which are emptied on a regular basis.

“Norton Town Council is one of the most forward planning councils for dog bins,” said Mr Dunn.

“There are a number of dog bins put in place by the town council which are very well used, which is a good sign.”

Mr Dunn said he was assisted by other agencies including the police and Ryedale District Council’s Streetscene.

“Education is important and I am involved with schools and other groups to impress on them the importance of cleaning up after your dog,” he said.

“What many people do not realise is that dog faeces is most dangerous when it is two or three days old – that is when it is lethal and toxic and if people notice any they should contact Streetscene as it needs to be cleaned up.”

Mr Dunn said the number of dogs in the area was increasing with many people now owning three or four dogs.

“As the population in Ryedale grows, so will the dog population,” he said.

“The eyes and ears of the public are needed to help deal with the problem of dog fouling and I would appeal to them to name names – I will be more than happy to go and visit them.”

Deputy mayor Coun Ray King said Mr Dunn should come back to the council if he felt there was a need for more dog bins in the town.

“If you have a dog then there is a responsibility that comes with it, including cleaning up after your pet,” he added.

Mayor Coun Di Keal added that Mr Dunn could rely on the council’s support.

“This is an important issue and is all part of having a nice town to live and work in,” she added.

Mr Dunn can be phoned on 01653 600666 ext 208.