Dog owners to face big fines in mess crackdown

There have been several complaints by Fleetwood residents about the issue.

Now Wyre is to begin a programme of new signage in the town in a bid to get the message across – and warn dog owners they will not get away with their pets’ fouling.

The council is keen to educate residents first, but warns that people caught allowing their dog fouling may be hit with a £75 fine.

Coun Mike Barrowclough, who is a Wyre council member for Fleetwood, said, said: “Dog fouling is an inherent problem in Fleetwood and one which takes up too much of both councillors’ and officers’ time and more importantly, tax payers money. The problem is widespread and not just isolated to one or two wards in the town.

“Repeat offenders who do not clean up after their dog are to blame for causing the spread of diseases such as toxocariasis which can cause blindness and parasites such as roundworm.”

He added: “Wyre officers will be busy over the forthcoming weeks mounting signage in multiple locations to make dog walkers aware that they are being watched.”

Instances of dog fouling can be reported to Wyre Council by using the Report It section on Wyre Council’s website, www.wyre.gov.uk/reportdogfouling.

Alternatively, contact your local ward councillor who will be pleased to assist. The council will then remove the mess at the earliest opportunity.