Dog fouling is a huge concern for residents, says North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) not just because of the mess, but because it poses health risks that can cause stomach upset, sore throat, asthma and in extreme cases it can cause blindness.
NNDC figures show that historically, the number of complaints it receives about dog fouling increases as the evenings start to draw in. With plans to re-launch its ‘No Messing’ anti dog-fouling campaign, NNDC hopes that the campaign and introduction of community dog wardens will assure residents that reducing the presence of dog fouling in public places is a priority. The role of a community dog warden is to educate irresponsible dog owners that dog fouling is not acceptable, and together with support from NNDC’s Environmental Protection team, to promote the virtues of responsible dog ownership.
John Lee, NNDC’s Cabinet Member for Environment said: “When the clocks go back and the nights start to draw in, this is when we start to see a steady increase in complaints of dog fouling. Dog owners need to understand that they are posing a risk to the safety of others if they do not clear up after their dogs, and using the cover of darkness is just not acceptable.
“As a community dog warden, you will be a valuable part of your community and will be given the full support of NNDC’s Environmental Protection officers to help educate people on how we can make our local environment and community a cleaner place.”
Volunteers wishing to become a community dog warden will need to be friendly, open and willing to help make a difference. It is a non-confrontational role, and wardens will not have the power to issue fixed penalty notices.
Volunteers can offer to work whenever they are free to give up their time, although patrols are not expected to last more than three hours at a time. Each warden can expect to receive full training and will be provided with a high visibility jacket and a pocket notebook.
Mr Lee added: ‘Although community dog wardens will not be able to issue fixed penalty notices, they will be providing regular information to NNDC’s enforcement officers. Irresponsible dog owners should be clear that we will not tolerate dog fouling in North Norfolk and we’ll have no hesitation in fining offenders.’
Volunteers can sign up online at www.northnorfolk.org/environment/18836.asp
