Burnley leads way in fight against dog fouling

Figures released following a Freedom of Information request reveal Burnley Council handed out the second highest number of dog fouling fixed penalty notices in the last financial year.

Wardens issued 138 fines for dog mess in Burnley in 2014-15, with only Barnsley (187) handing out more.

Coun. Tony Harrison, Executive Member for Community Services, said it highlights the council’s tough stance on dog fouling. “I think we are doing very well,” he said.

“Three years ago when we took over control of the council we found it was a priority for most people.

“We found some spare money and so we employed someone to enforce it.”

The figures come as part of a BBC Survey with figures being produced by 302 local authoritities.

Nationally the number of notices issued for dog fouling fell by almost 20%last year, while the number of complaints received by councils fell by 11%.

The cost of the penalty varies in different authorities but in Burnley it is £75.

Coun. Harrison urged the public to immediately contact Streetscene – which provides council services such as household waste collection, pest control, and community safety – if they find any dog mess.

“I think the majority of dog owners are very sensible,” he said.

“I have been on awareness days and met many sensible dog owners and they give us information and tell us where the hotspots are.

“If we know where the hotspots are, we know where to locate the bins.

“The best way to tell us is by emailing us or Streetscene. That way it goes straight to those who enforce it.”

Although Coun. Harrison admitted dog fouling was still a problem, it is one he believes is getting better, and is one the council are determinged to solve.

“I think we still have a problem on greenways, away from main roads because of the expense of someone having to walk down there to clean it. We need to find a solution to that problem,” he said.

“Always carry a dog bag. If you do not pick up your dog’s mess, you are likely to be fined £75.”

To report any dog mess in Burnley you can email Streetscene at [email protected]