Dirty dog owner fines fail to hit their mark (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Dirty dog owner fines fail to hit their mark

7:00am Sunday 27th January 2013 in News

ONLY three dog owners were fined for not cleaning up after their pets in Tendring last year.

Owners can be hit with a £50 fine if they do not clear up after their dog on public land.

But just a handful of people were fined in 2012 - despite more than 20 council employees being authorised to hand out fixed penalty notices.

Tendring Council environment boss Nick Turner is urging the public to help prosecute those responsible.

“It is not for lack of will - we just can’t get the evidence,” he said.

“People should let us know when someone is not picking up after their dog.

“If it’s happening regularly we can get a dog warden out there.

“Our dog wardens are wonderful and will be out there at 6am if it will secure a conviction.

“But we need the help of local people.”

There are fears people are scared to report rogue dog owners in case they find out.