Outgoing council chairman urges residents to report dog fouling they witness

THE outgoing chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council is spending his last days in office on a mission to get dog owners to clean up after their pets.

Councillor Tony Parramint is particularly concerned about dog mess in Soham - the issue of dog fouling is a frequently raised in Neighbourhood Panel meetings and is rated as serious anti social behaviour creating real public health concerns.

Cllr Paramint wants residents to report any fouling they witness, and said: “As a grandparent, I am very lucky to have the opportunity to walk my grandchildren to school in the morning. It is on these short walks that I see for myself the utter selfishness of a minority of dog owners who leave their animals mess on public pavements.

“No resident in Soham should have to tiptoe around paths in our town because of a few people can’t be bothered to clean up after their dogs.

“This is an issue not just for Soham but for the whole of the district as the inactions of a minority affect so many. With over 200 dog bins around East Cambridgeshire and the knowledge that bagged dog waste can also be deposited in litter bins, where there is no dog bin available, there is little excuse for anyone not to pick up their dog’s waste.

Dog waste contains a number of bacteria including Campylobacter and Salmonella as well as infections caused by the roundworm Toxocara canis.

The fine for failing to pick up dog mess is a £50 fixed penalty, which can rise to £1,000 for persistent offenders.

Cllr Paramint added: “I would encourage anyone who sees dog walkers not clearing up after their pets to get in touch with the council. They should provide details of the person responsible, and where and when the fouling is happening, for them to investigate to help keep our streets clean.”

To report problems with dog fouling or provide details of offenders please call on 01353 665555 or visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk