Shop the dirty dog owners, urges Otley councillor (From Wharfedale Observer)

Shop the dirty dog owners, urges Otley councillor

9:00am Friday 11th January 2013 in Local news By Jim Jack

An Otley councillor is asking anyone who spots dog fouling in their area to let him know.

Councillor Ryk Downes has already asked for a dog warden to visit the Leeds Road area and for signs to go up reminding dog owners of their responsibilities.

But he is also hoping watchful residents will play a part in tackling the problem by helping officials catch the culprits "in the act".

Coun Downes, a keen runner who spends time pounding the town’s pavements, is making the appeal via his website, rykdownes.

mycouncillor.org.uk, after receiving a letter from a constituent who said they were disgusted at the “intolerable” condition of Leeds Road in recent months.

The resident wrote: “This is purely down to lazy or ignorant dog owners who let their dogs foul the pavement. Do we have any funding from Leeds City Council to erect notices reminding these people of the consequences of committing this offence?

“I know the problem is catching these culprits and some of us are now on high alert but do any dog wardens patrol the Danefield area?”

Coun Downes said: “I have asked the dog warden to pay a visit and asked that signs be provided.

“As the resident rightly says, the biggest problem is catching the culprits.

“If anyone sees someone letting their dog foul and not picking it up afterwards please feel free to note the time and location, and type of dog and let me know.

“I can but try to get the dog warden along at a similar time to see if the culprit can be caught.

“While I like dogs and indeed have owned dogs, I find it disgusting and inconsiderate that some – only a few – irresponsible owners feel it's acceptable to leave their dog mess for others to tread in."