COUNCIL TO TAKE ACTION ON DOG FOULING

Stone Parish Council is launching a campaign to address the problem of dog-fouling in the parish.

The council has received an increasing number of complaints and now plans to tackle the problem through a series of initiatives including overt and covert surveillance; a hard-hitting poster campaign; review of signage and dog-bin provision; and an online discussion on Facebook.

Council Chairman Thurza Richards said,
“Dog-fouling is a national problem not just one affecting the parish. The council feels compelled to take action to encourage dog owners to be responsible in clearing up their dog’s mess and have respect for the local environment.

We are receiving far too many complaints from football teams and parents using local parks who suffer through lack of consideration. We do not want to see the community put off using local recreational provision through the actions of a few irresponsible dog-owners.

There are many responsible owners who wouldn’t dream of leaving their dog’s mess to inconvenience others and I’m sure who are just as fed-up by the few giving them a bad rap. We want to remind owners that not clearing up dog mess is a criminal offence and that they risk prosecution if they do not comply.”

The council is teaming up with local PCSO’s, Community Wardens and officers from Dartford Borough Council in a bid to identify local perpetrators who will either be sent warning letters or issued fixed penalty notices if they are seen offending. Dog walkers will also be given free information packs to ensure that they are aware of the campaign and its objectives.

It is hoped that the campaign will highlight the problem resulting in improvement across the parish.

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