Police and council team up to tackle dog fouling

North Wales Police is lending its support to a major campaign by Denbighshire County Council to tackle dog fouling in the county.

A multi-media campaign has been launched by the council after persistent complaints from residents about problems with dog fouling.

The campaign looks at education people on the dangers of dog fouling, taking enforcement action against those that allow their dogs to foul in public without clearing the mess and getting the community involved in reporting problems to the council.

Now the North Wales Police team in Denbighshire has instructed Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) and Community Beat Managers to issue fixed penalty notices if they spot any dog-fouling incidents and to provide information to the council on where there is a problem with dog fouling as part of their day to day duties, .

Councillor David Smith, Denbighshire's Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, said: "We are delighted that North Wales Police is joining forces with the council to rid our streets of dog fouling.

"It is anti-social form of behaviour and will not be tolerated by the Council or the police, or indeed local communities. Residents tell us it is one of the issues of greatest concerns. We are listening to our communities and working with them to address the issue."

Graham Boase, Denbighshire's Head of Planning & Public Protection, said: "We have officers working for the council who patrol areas across Denbighshire and will take action against those who fail to clean up after their dogs.

"The officers have the powers to issue fixed penalty notices and will do so if they witness individuals who carry out these offences. It is however difficult to be in the right place at the right time - that is why we need the public's help.

 "If people have information about those responsible, we need to know. In the past some people have been unwilling to provide the Council with relevant information and we recognise this concern. However, to put a stop to this anti-social behaviour and to take action against the culprits, we need local people to speak up on behalf of their communities and tell us who is responsible or provide any other information that can help us capture those who are responsible."

Local Policing Area Superintendent Wayne Jones said: "North Wales Police are committed to working closely with Denbighshire County Council to tackle crime, anti social behaviour and keep the public safe.

"We recognise the impact that crime and anti-social behaviour can have in our communities and we will do everything in our power to help reduce crime, protect people and work hard to improve the quality of life for all. We will continue to build on our partnership working in order to provide the best quality of service for the people of Denbighshire."

The campaign has launched a dedicated freephone number for residents to report dog fouling culprits and hot spot areas 0800 230 0234.