Lockdown sees increase in dog fouling reports in West Norfolk

West Norfolk Council has urged dog owners to pick up after their four-legged friends after a national survey highlighted the increase in dog fouling during the pandemic.

The borough council recorded an increase of reports of dog fouling across West Norfolk from 40 to 48, between January 4 to February 17 this year when compared to the previous year.

These figures were revealed after a national survey by a rubbish collection company reported dog fouling had gone up 200 per cent during lockdown, with 1,600 people surveyed across the UK, including several from Norfolk.

Mark Hall, of Divert, the company behind the survey, said: “Walking your dog is important for both pet and owner for exercise, especially while we are all house-bound during the lockdown.

“Unfortunately, thanks to the thoughtless behaviour by a few individuals, dog owners are once again getting a bad reputation due to a massive increase in dog mess on the streets.”

Cllr Stuart Dark, cabinet member for Environmental Services and Public Protection, said: “We have recently appointed an environmental enforcement officer who has begun active patrols of dog fouling hot spot areas. If we catch someone failing to clear up after their dog it’s an £80 fixed penalty or, if it goes to court, up to £1,000 on conviction. We are in the process of installing new, higher impact signage, which we hope will remind people of their responsibilities.

“We would urge dog owners to do the responsible thing and clear up after their animals, disposing of the dog poo bags in the provided dog poo bins, or taking it home and putting it in their black bin.

“We would also encourage people to report any dog fouling issues via www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/dogfouling, so we can focus our efforts where there are specific problems.”