'Report dog fouling incidents', Portknockie residents urged
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
PORTKNOCKIE residents are being urged to report instances of dog fouling in the village.
Following an upsurge in complaints, Portknockie Community Council are encouraging dog owners to pick up after their pets, and for those who do not do so to be reported.
Community Councillor Sue Lane said: "There's definitely been an increase in the number of comments about dog fouling, not just in Portknockie but in other local communities, too.
"One problem which is getting raised is letting dogs foul on the pavement. In coastal communities like ours a lot of the older houses have front doors opening right onto the pavement, which makes this a real problem.
"There's also been dog fouling on grass verges in Hague Street and there's a lot of fouling on popular dog walks like on the headland.
"There are also some people who pick up and bag their dog's poo – which is good – but then leave it hanging it from trees or by the side of the footpath instead of binning it, which defeats the object of bagging it in the first place.
"Although not strictly a dog fouling problem, we have been hearing complaints of some owners allowing their dogs to wee against the front walls of houses, which can cause stains and smells.
"At the end of the day dog fouling is a form of anti-social behaviour which should be reported to the Community Wardens."
Incidents can still be reported even if the identity of the owner or dog is unknown.
Reports of dog fouling will be investigated by the Community Warden who can issue fixed penalty notices of £80. If it is not paid within 28 days, it will increase to £100.
Dog fouling laws basically apply in any open air space to which the public has access. This includes: children's play areas; pavements, footpaths and roads; pedestrian precincts; all grass verges; parks and other recreational areas; canal footpaths and cycle ways; common areas, such as drying greens, back courts and stair closes.
To report an incident of dog fouling, email antisocialbehaviour@moray.gov.uk
More information on dog fouling regulations can be found on Moray Council's website www.moray.gov.uk
