Warning to Chesterfield dog owners

The council’s environment team today said it had received complaints about dog fouling in Brimington and Hollingwood and would be heading out to catch irresponsible owners.

A borough council spokesman said: “Responsible owners clean up after their dogs. It’s not your dog’s fault if they get a call of nature while they’re being taken for a walk. They can’t clear up after themsleves either.

“As a responsible dog owner it is your duty to clear up whenever your dog fouls on any open space in Chesterfield.

“Open space means:

• parks

• playing fields

• any footpath, verge or road

• other open spaces with public access

“There are approximately 1,200 litter bins and 450 dog waste bins at suitable and convenient locations across the borough for you to dispose of your dog’s mess.

“If, however, you are in an area without a special bin, the dog mess should be taken home to be put, well wrapped, into the dustbin or you can flush the solid waste down the toilet. You may wish to use:

• nappy sacks

• a pooper-scooper

• an old carrier bag

• dog waste bags

“Litter bins in the street may be used for well-wrapped dog waste if desired. However, you should always try and use the proper red bins as these have lids to reduce flies.

“You should also remove dog mess from your garden as it can attract rats and flies and cause a smell nuisance in the warmer months. We do get complaints about gardens and yards with dog mess and we may ask you to clear it up.

“To report dog fouling in your area, please contact customer services on 01246 345 735.”