No messing: lazy dog owners should pick up poop

Dear Editor,

Lazy dog walkers who do not clear up after their pets are not just the bane of their neighbours’ lives – they are also falling foul of the law.

I spotted this mess on Minchinhampton High Street during my holiday in the town. I was utterly disgusted. The dog isn’t at fault, but what was the owner thinking?

On the spot fines can be handed to people who do not clear up after their dogs and those who do not pay up can end up in court. It’s an offence to let a dog in your control foul on the street, if you don’t clean up immediately afterwards.

Be warned, Stroud District Council will investigate dog fouling complaints but sadly prosecution is only possible if there is a least one witness prepared to give evidence. The maximum fine is £1,000.

Daniel Jones