Clampdown on dog fouling

Dog owners who fail to clean up after their pets are being targeted by a new partnership between Rochdale Council’s Environmental Quality Unit and Greater Manchester Police.

Patrols, both high visibility and covert, will be carried out in Littleborough, Wardle and Smithy Bridge during the next few weeks.

Any dog walker failing to clean up after their animal will be offered a Fixed Penalty Notice for £50. If the offer is not accepted, or the penalty is not paid, the offender will be prosecuted. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of £1,000.

The moves following a large increased in the number of complaints about dog faeces being left on pavements, grass verges and playing fields.

Anyone with information on dog walkers who fail to clean up after their dogs can report it by visiting www.rochdale.gov.uk/dogpoo or calling 0845 226 1800.

Dog bags are available free of charge from Littleborough Police Station and Smithy Bridge Library.