Dog walkers in East Northants urged to '˜bag it and bin it'

It is a criminal offence to not pick up after your dog while out on a walk, either on the footpaths or in greenspace, which can result in a fixed penalty notice of £75, rising to up to £1,000 if left unpaid.

ENC’s dog wardens regularly patrol areas across the district, and are able to issue on the spot fines to anyone caught not bagging their dog’s mess and disposing of it in a dog bin.

Dog bins are provided in conjunction with parish or town councils across East Northamptonshire and are emptied at least once a week.

Charlotte Tomkins, waste services manager, said: “Owning a dog provides fantastic companionship and can complete a family, but they are also a great responsibility.

“I would like to remind all dog owners that they are accountable for their pets when out walking, and it is a criminal offence not to bag and bin dog mess.

“Leaving a bag on the path, tying it to a tree/fence or flicking it into the hedgerow is simply not good enough, and may result in a fine for owners.”

Cllr Steven North, leader of ENC, added: “We are incredibly lucky to have so many beautiful green spaces right on our doorstep in East Northamptonshire.

“It is important that dog owners help us to keep our streets, and green spaces tidy for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information visit www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/dogs.