Council debates dog mess problem (From Malvern Gazette)

Council debates dog mess problem

4:02pm Friday 29th January 2010

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UPTON Town Council has reminded residents that free dog mess bags are available from the council office in Memorial Hall five-days-a-week.

The council has recently consulted on introducing a dog control order that would make it an offence for a dog owner to fail to keep their pet on a lead or clean up its faeces on the town’s playing field.

The matter was discussed during the latest town council meeting, where councillor Tim Drake and a member of the public spoke out against the order.

Although it was agreed that it was a minority of dog walkers causing the problems, Coun Sheena Walsh, chairman of the open spaces committee, said that complaints had been received and something had to be done.

“There are a lot of responsible dog owners but unfortunately in Upton there are also those who are not,” she said. “We are not against dogs, we are against the playing fields being spoiled for the enjoyment of all.”

Mayor Paul Thomas added that the council has a “duty of care” to ensure the playing fields are clean for those using them, which includes several junior sports teams.

Free dog bags can be collected between 9am-4pm Monday to Friday.

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