Dog mess free zone created

It’s part of a campaign to clean up Thornhill Edge , which has started in response to complaints about irresponsible dog owners.

More than £1,200 of Dewsbury Area Committee cash has been ploughed into the scheme, which will be rolled out across the town if it is a success. The cash will be used to install three dog mess bag dispensers in the area, as well as promotional material to help get the message out. The locations of litter bins are also being reviewed to make sure they are easily accessible for dog walkers.

Work will be carried out with local schools and tenants’ and residents’ associations and a number of events are planned. More than 20 dogs were micro-chipped for free at an event in Thornhill Edge last week.

Coun Masood Ahmed, chairman of Dewsbury Area Committee, said: “The event was a real success and there was a great turnout with lots of dogs too.

“There are a lot of dog walkers in the area and we were able to give people advice and inform people of the potential penalties.”

Dog wardens will patrol the area at key times to keep an eye on dogs and their owners. Walkers face a penalty of £75 for failing to clean up after their animals, or £50 if paid within seven days.

In 2012 Kirklees Council introduced tighter restrictions on dog owners on public land – dogs are now banned from children’s play areas, ball parks and some playing fields.

All land which is covered by Kirklees is subject to a dog fouling order.