Doggy Doo Doos

DISGUSTING – INNIT?

When it comes to dog fouling, Bolton Council can sure ‘Talk the Talk’

When it comes to actually enforcing the bye-laws they are a little less successful

Bolton Council employs Environmental Enforcement Officers. I stand to be corrected, but I think there are four of them covering the whole of the Borough.

Apart from Dog Mess they are also responsible for policing Litter, Graffiti and Fly Tipping.

In March 2010, the Council launched yet another initiative to tackle this problem. This is summarized at :-

http://www.bolton.gov.uk/website/news/pages/Boltonisnotmessingondogfouling.aspx

However, the results of these initiatives can be best shown by the number of penalties issued or prosecutions resulting.

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A reply to a Freedom of Information request produced the following.

1. How many complaints were received for dog fouling for the period
   of 01.01.2009 to 06.03.2012.
   
   Total - 1391
   
   
2.  How many fixed penalty notices were issued for the same period
   for dog fouling.
   
   Total – 85

That is roughly SEVEN tickets per ENFORCEMENT OFFICER   per  YEAR

Bolton is not messing – Eh ????

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In the same period and since, Little Lever & Darcy lever Area Forum have had numerous ‘Presentations’ on the subject and since October 2011 have spent £3,200 on assorted Tri-signs, Dog Bins, Bag Dispensers and assorted other signage.

IT CLEARLY ISN’T WORKING

No-one can deny that dog owners like taking their dogs for a walk. It’s good exercise for the dog as well as the owner.

What amazes me is this:-

Most people have a back yard or a garden of some sort. Why not let the dog out in that, wait until it has done its business and THEN take it for a walk.

Perhaps that is too simple.

If elected I will push for a periodic week-long blitz of the Ward concentrating on the peak times for dog walking. No messing about – No warning – Fixed Penalty Ticket – Photograph – Name & Shame.

Sorry it has come to this but  IT’S THE ONLY WAY

Promoted by Edith D Sexton, 69 Chester Ave, BL3 1XE on behalf of  Paul Richardson, 24 Ripon Close BL3 1EQ