West Dunbartonshire Council's bid to ensure dog owners clean up and dispose of their canine's mess comes after an increase in reports of dog fouling in streets and other public spaces - and a rise in the number of full poo bags being dumped in private household bins.

Any irresponsible owner who leaves behind poo or used poo bags in the area’s green spaces could face an £80 fixed penalty fine for the disgusting behaviour.

Councillor David McBride, convener of infrastructure, regeneration and economic development met tenants at Willox Park in Dumbarton, one of the locations to have seen a rise in reports of dog fouling, this week to highlight how thoughtless disposal of dog waste can negatively impact upon other residents.

He said: “Our message is to those irresponsible dog owners who frequently leave mess behind – please do the right thing and change your behaviour.

“Inconsiderate disposal of dog mess affects the whole community and what has been happening at Willox Park is a perfect example of that.

“While residents here have said they always welcome dog walkers, they simply ask that those passing through remember it is their home, garden and sheltered space.

“It is not fair that they should experience issues with bags of dog poo being placed in their private household waste bins, or that their gardens, outdoor seating areas and clothes poles should be polluted with dog waste which they then need to clean themselves.”

Free poop scoop bags

The free biodegradable bags can be found here:

• Asda, Clydebank Shopping Centre
• Clydebank, Dalmuir, Duntocher, Parkhall and Faifley libraries
• The Hub community education centre, Kilbowie Road
• Clydebank Police Office, Montrose Street
• Boyce and Houston Vets Practice, Crown Avenue
• Centre 81, Braes Avenue
• Knowes Housing Association, Faifley
• Trafalgar Housing Association, Dalmuir