In January 2012 we ran a story on dog fouling problems in Pencaitland. A year on and we’ve been contacted by a villager on this very problem, so here’s a reminder of what action you can take.
Have you been an unwitting victim of dog poo? It seems many of you have as we’ve had a spate of reports about young and old inadvertently getting into a mess… literally!
This comment comes from a person new to the village who felt, (quite reasonably and because it’s the law) that dog owners and walkers really ought to clean up after their dogs, “especially on paved paths and at the children’s play park at Easter Pencaitland. I’ve been quite shocked by the amount of dog’s dirt on pavements around the school and disgusted by the discovery next to the climbing frame, slide and swings.”
Caught in the act
If you actually spot an owner not cleaning up after their dog report this directly to East Lothian’s community and environmental wardens. They enforce dog and litter legislation and issue fixed penalty fines to people who drop litter or don’t clean up after their dog.
If you’re a tweeter you can tweet your Community Council @pencaitlandcc or post a message on the Community Council Facebook page if you spot disagreeable doggy deposits.
The Council is trying to combat the nuisance of dog fouling. Dog Watch – Who’s Watching You? – is designed to allow the public to easily report when they see an offence being committed.
One of the main reasons that dog owners don’t clear up after their dog is because they think there’s not a Council officer watching. However, if the message gets out that the general public can now take direct action to report offences, it’s hoped that the few dog owners who aren’t being responsible are far more likely to change their ways.
To report details of a dog fouling offence directly to East Lothian’s community and environmental wardens call 01875 824 305 or report it online.
Poop scoop bags
Free poop scoop bags are available from most council offices and libraries and often there are some available in the local Pencaitland Post Office.
You can also contact the Dog Wardens by calling 01620 827434 or emailing landscapeandcountryside@eastlothian.gov.uk with your address. They will then post you a free packet of bags.
You may be one of the many unfortunate people to have encountered these strange red whelts on your skin in recent weeks. If you have then chances are you’re suffering from Berry Bug bites.