BAG IT, BIN IT! - says Council

Dog owners across Argyll and Bute are being reminded how important it is to ‘bag it and bin it’.

Argyll and Bute Council and the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, Dog’s Trust, are urging dog owners to pick up the mess and help keep our public spaces clean.

The message comes in the run up to national Poop Scoop Week 2010, which runs from July 26 to August 1.

Councillor Robert Macintyre, Argyll and Bute’s spokesperson for Economy, Environment and Rural Affairs, said: “Some people seem to forget that dogs can’t clean up after themselves.

“While the vast majority of owners are responsible and pick up after their dog, a number of selfish individuals are still giving dogs a bad name.

“We receive a significant number of complaints about dog mess, and have fined nearly 40 members of the public over the last year for failing to clean up after their animal.

“Having dog dirt littering our parks, pavements and public spaces is something which Argyll and Bute Council is determined to tackle. Poop Scoop Week gives us the opportunity to reiterate our clear message that irresponsible dog owners will not be tolerated.

“Our environment wardens will continue to be pro-active across the council area in a bid to catch and punish those who disregard the law, and I would urge anyone who witnesses an owner failing to clear up after their dog to contact the police."

Anyone receiving a £40 fixed penalty notice has 28 days in which to pay. If they fail to do so, it will increase to £60. Should anyone continue to ignore the notice, they risk a court summons and a possible £500 fine.