Rise in dog ownership since first lockdown has led to increase in mess on streets, Derbyshire council chief suggests

Crich Parish Council said it had been made aware of ‘a number of complaints’ about dog fouling in local streets and on the village recreation ground.

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Councillor Margaret Lane, chair of the authority, said: “The problem has got worse recently, presumably because of the increase in dog ownership since the first lockdown.

“Dog faeces are a health hazard and can cause blindness in young children.

“Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, it is an offence to allow a dog to defecate and not clean it up.

“This is a plea to dog owners to clean up after their pets.”

She added: “The parish council has reported this problem to the dog wardens at Amber Valley Borough Council as they have jurisdiction to deal with it.

“They can issue fixed penalty notices on the spot and also on the basis of a witness statement.

“Anyone can make a complaint by ringing the helpline – 01773 841335 – or by completing a form on the Amber Valley Borough Council website.”

Councillor Ross Shipman, leader of the LIberal Democrats on North East Derbyshire District Council, called for tougher punishments for people who do not clean up after their dog.

He said: “The fines need to be increased as a deterrent.

“It’s hard enough catching people red-handed doing it, so when we do, they need a hefty fine and repeat offenders should have their dog taken off them.

“No responsible dog owner would be against this.”

The Derbyshire Times reported last week how Chesterfield Borough Council has seen an increase in complaints about dog fouling in the area.

Members of the public are being urged to report people who do not clean up after their dog via www.chesterfield.gov.uk/health-and-environment/animal-and-pest-control/dogs/dog-fouling/report-dog-fouling.

Those who do not clean up after their dog could receive a fine of up to £1,000.

Commenting on our Facebook page, Emma Coupe said: “I resisted having a dog for years because I knew I would struggle to pick up after it.

“It makes me feel physically sick but if I’m walking the dog on my own, I pick up after her because it’s the responsible thing to do.”

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