New laws to target dog muck offenders

Last updated 16:04, Friday, 15 August 2008

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to clean up after pets on Haverigg beach.

The appeal comes following a council order of 21,000 dog dirt bags last month to try to curb the problem.

Councillor Audrey Gabbert said: “We are not complaining about people taking dogs on the beach, but we do ask that you tidy up after them.

“Pick it up and put it in a bag. Place it in a bin or take it home with you.

“My husband was on the beach and he said there were at least 50 dogs there. There were some people with seven dogs.

“People are coming to the council to collect the new bags so they are being used, it’s just those people who don’t bother.

“If you have a dog you should be prepared to do it.

“The problem is also in the town centre and when you have a pram sometimes you can’t avoid it and then you get it all over your carpet.

“If you have young children playing on the carpet it is dangerous because they can catch things from it.”

The bags are available from the Copeland Borough Council Offices in St George’s Road.

The beach comes under the jurisdiction of Copeland Borough Council.

Open spaces manager for the borough council, Tony Magean, said: “On the enforcement side of things the act currently in place only allows us to enforce laws in town centres and not on the beach.

“The laws currently in place are under the Dog Fouling Act.

“However, the council is reviewing a Dog Control Order. Once this is agreed, following consultation across the area, the Dog Control Order will enable the enforcement of beaches.

“We are hoping to introduce the order in the next four and five months. This will replace the Dog Fouling Act.”