Increase in dog fouling incidents reported

Dog owners are being reminded to pick up behind their pets after a rise in dog fouling incidents.

The council’s environmental health team has received increased reports of fouling in Lerwick and other parts of the isles.

Staff have cleaned around some problem areas, including footpaths around Clickimin, the Knab and the Sletts, and signage has been placed on bus stops, posts and pavements to remind dog owners to pick up after their dog.

Environmental health manager David Robertson said: “While most dog owners are responsible individuals, there are still some who do not clean up after their pets.

“Dog fouling is unpleasant and is a public health hazard, with a risk of worms and infections being passed on to people and other animals.

“It is an offence to not clean up after your dog and owners can be fined up to £80.

“We’d like to remind owners to ensure that they dispose of their dog’s poo safely, in any suitable waste bin or buried in the garden at home.”

COMMENTS(2)

Add Your Comment
  • Alastair Ball

    • May 21st, 2020 10:22

    Come on folks, its not difficult, put the bag over your hand and pick it up.

    I walk our dog on country roads and pick up after the dog has done her stuff.

    REPLY
  • John Thomas

    • May 22nd, 2020 16:52

    Here here, it really is disgusting, not to mention the risk to children if the mess ends up in the bark chippings at the play areas. Our beloved grandson would bag his dog’s waste, but then throw it into the hedge because he used biodegradable bags. Unbelievable! I could not persuade him that this was still not really in the spirit of things, so put some soluble immodium into Sam’s water for a while. The problem was solved, and she was well behaved on her walks for weeks afterwards. Sadly, Sam is no longer with us having lived to the ripe old age of six. A lesson perhaps?

    REPLY

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