Paws up for Poop Scoop Week

DOG owners in Carmarthenshire are being urged to pick up after their pets.

Carmarthenshire County Council is supporting National Poop Scoop Week 2011 which is being held from July 25-31.

Run by the Dogs Trust, the aim is to remind dog owners to pick up after their dog and help clean up our public spaces. While the majority of dog owners are responsible and pick up after their dog, a careless few are still giving dogs a bad name.

If you don’t pick-up after your pet you could get a fixed penalty notice of £75 or face prosecution in court and a maximum fine of £1,000.

The council’s ‘Poop Scoop’ team will be out and about next week to raise awareness of dog fouling and its consequences.

They will be at the Millennium Coastal Park, North Dock, Llanelli, on Tuesday, July 26; Pendine beach car park on Thursday, July 28; and Llansteffan car park on Friday, July 29 between 11am and 2pm with information and advice and free poop bags.

Executive Board Member for the Environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “The council is determined to stop the problem of dog fouling and improve the environment for both residents and visitors to Carmarthenshire.

“By taking part in National Poop Scoop Week we can remind dog owners of their responsibilities and the consequences of not cleaning up after their pet.

“Dog mess left anywhere is a serious health risk and can cause epilepsy, asthma and even blindness. This type of anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and those caught breaking the law in this way will be prosecuted.”

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

Remember you can dispose of the bag in any public litter bin (not just litter bins specifically for dog mess) but please double bag it!

If you have any information regarding dog fouling please call Carmarthenshire Direct on 01267 234567.