Dumbarton and the Vale dog owners are being offered free poo bags as part of a drive to cut the number of people who fail to pick up after their pets.
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 with tenants of Willox Park sheltered housing complex in Dumbarton this week to highlight how thoughtless disposal of dog waste can negatively impact upon other residents.
The complex is a popular route for dog walkers, and while the majority are respectful of their surroundings, others leave unwanted reminders of their visit including fouling and poo bags in private household bins.
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.”
Any dog owner using the area at Willox Park is also being asked to keep their pet on a lead at all times while they pass through.
Ruth Dickinson, Chair of the Willox Park Tenant and Residents Association, added: “We don’t mind people coming to enjoy the gardens but we would like dog owners to be more considerate.
“Some let their dog off the lead and don’t notice it doing the toilet so, therefore, can’t pick it up.
“It’s also common for owners to drop the poo bags into our private bins which is awful every time we open the lid.”
Free poop scoop bags
The free biodegradable bags can be found here:
Dumbarton
- Asda, St James' Retail Park
- Glenbrae Vets Practice, Station Road
- Council Offices, 16 Church Street
- Admin Office, Elm Road, Broadmeadow Industrial Estate
- Dumbarton Library, Strathleven Place
- All Dumbarton CE Centres
- Dumbarton Police Office, Stirling Road
Vale of Leven
- All Vale of Leven Area Libraries
- All Vale of Leven Area CE Centres
- Alexandria Police Office, Hill Street
- Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway
- Ladyton Pharmacy
- Lomond Woods Holiday Park
- McKenzie Vets Practice, Gilmour Street
- National Park HQ, Carrochan Road
- One Stop Shop, Mitchell Way
- Social Work Office, Bridge Street
- Tourist Information Centre, Balloch
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