SAXON HOUND CAMPAIGN TO CRY FOUL ON DOG MESS

A new campaign to educate dog owners to clean up after their pets has been launched with Saxon Hound and Mucky Pup at the forefront.

“We want people to tell us where the hot spots are in order to target education and enforcement activity and look at other preventative measures. We are able take action as long as residents report the incidents to us directly and can clearly identify owners and dogs.   With sufficient information about times and areas enforcement officers are able to issue fixed penalties to deter irresponsible owners when witnessed. We are committed to cleaning up the environment in Tamworth and making the area as clean and pleasant as possible for everyone to enjoy. Clean neighbourhoods are a desire of the residents of our historic borough and the council will use all our powers to deliver them that. I would like to thank all of the responsible dog owners who continue to clean up after their dogs"

A fixed penalty of £50 may be issued to offenders with no option for reduction of the fine amount. When a fixed penalty notice has been issued payment must be made within 14 days of issue. Cheques, postal orders or money orders can be posted to Tamworth Borough Council, Marmion House, Lichfield Street, Tamworth, B79 7BZ, Via phone on 01827 709709 or via the pay it online option on the right hand side.

THE MUCKY PUP - CLEAN IT UP CAMPAIGN

Starts on Monday in The Leys. It will target a number of identified dog fouling hotspots throughout the borough and blitz them for three weeks - one at a time.

Street wardens and Street Scene staff will visit a hotspot where they will record and remove every visible piece of dog waste.

Street Scene staff will return two days later in the first week to record and remove any further deposits.

This will not affect regular cleansing routines in the areas and residents should continue to report issues.

The wardens will then spend the period of the campaign talking to residents and visitors in the neighbourhood to educate and inform them of how to report dog fouling and encouraging responsible dog ownership.

Owners spotted not cleaning up after their dogs will be given a fixed penalty notice.

The campaign will continue in the hotspot area for a further two weeks, during which the waste will again be recorded and removed at regular intervals to see whether there has been any reduction. At the end of the three weeks, the wardens will then move on to another hotspot.

Spot checks and unannounced patrols will also continue after the end of the campaign in the hotspot areas, to ensure the clean-up message continues to be enforced.

REPORTING DOG FOULING

Any member of the public can report irresponsible dog owners at any time on the new Mucky Pup hotline 01827 709427, via email muckypup@tamworth.gov.uk or text MUCKYPUP and message to 88020.  This will allow the council to record hot spots and intelligence to best support future patrols and campaigns.