Todmorden News

Scoop That Poop!

Calderdale Council is urging dog owners to pick up the poop and help clean up our public spaces. While the majority of owners are responsible and pick up after their dog, a careless few are still giving dogs a bad name. Apart from the unpleasant appearance and odours, there are real dangers to health associated with dog-fouling.

Cllr A Byrne, Portfolio Holder Economy and Environment, Calderdale Council says; “We all want to have a positive sense of pride in our community and respect for our day to day environment, to achieve the cleanest, greenest Calderdale.”

A particular area of concern has been a footpath near to Wainstalls School.

This has now been cleared and Dog Wardens will patrol more frequently in an effort to educate or take enforcement action against offenders. Pupils from Wainstalls School are also going to raise awareness by putting up some of their own laminated dog fouling signs along the footpath.

“Working together with support from local residents will really make a big difference” says Councillor Byrne.

It is an offence if a person in charge of a dog does not clean up immediately after the dog has fouled in a public place. The penalty is a fixed penalty of £50 or prosecution in the magistrates’ court.

Dave Dunbar, Senior Environmental Health Officer, Calderdale Council added; “Dog walkers are advised that they must scoop the poop, and then dispose of the bag in a street litter bin, a doggy bin, or take it home. This applies across the borough.”