Dog owners warned clean up or pay up

Dog owners in Burry Port are being warned to clean up after their pets – or pay up!

Pembrey and Burry Port Town Council has teamed up with the local authority to tackle dog fouling in the area.

Councillors say it is a problem throughout the town, but particularly around the harbour area.

Environmental enforcement officers will now be stepping up patrols and anyone caught failing to clean up after their dogs can be issued with a fixed penalty notice of £75. They could also be prosecuted through the magistrates’ courts where the maximum fine is £1,000.

Dog fouling is one of the main causes of complaint to Carmarthenshire County Council. A recent survey carried out by Keep Wales Tidy found that 12.7% of county streets were affected by dog fouling.

Town and county councillor Pat Jones said: “Most people take their responsibilities seriously and clean up after their dogs, but unfortunately there are a few who do not listen.

“Some of the streets are in a terrible state; there is also a big problem at the harbour, which attracts visitors from all over the county and further afield, what kind of impression does this give of Burry Port?

“I am also concerned about dog fouling at the park which is used by families with young children and for playing football and rugby and if they land in dog mess it could be very serious indeed.”

Dog mess can lead to the spread of diseases such as toxocariasis, which in extreme cases can cause blindness in children.

Owners are being encouraged to always keep a supply of bags near their dog’s lead so they don’t forget when they go out for a walk.

Fellow town and county councillor Stephen James added: “This is a very dog friendly town, but unfortunately there are few careless dog owners that are spoiling it. Perhaps if people are fined, it will send out the right message that this type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”

If you have any information on dog fouling please call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567 or visit www.carmarthenshire.gov.uk

The information can be used by officers to target specific areas and catch offenders in the act.