Consultation reveals public support for tougher penalties
The fine for dogs owners who fail to pick up after their pets has doubled to £80 in Scotland. The government increased the fixed penalty to bring it in line with the fine for littering.
In a recent public consultation on responsible dog ownership, the majority of respondents said they would support an increase in the fine.
The new rule comes into effect on 1 April, 2016. The government is also considering a more robust system for collecting unpaid penalties.
"Dog fouling is not only unpleasant, but also can pose potentially significant risks to health, particularly for children, and we’re very clear that dog owners who do not clear up after their dogs are breaking the law," said Paul Wheelhouse, Scotland's minister for community safety and legal affairs.
“We believe the increased penalty will act as a greater deterrent for people who do not take responsibility for their pets and clean up after them."
According to the Scottish Household Surveys of 2013 and 2014, nearly a third of people encounter animal nuisance (fouling or noise).
The raised penalty has been welcomed by Keep Scotland Beautiful as a "positive step in the right direction", but its chief executive Derek Robertson said increasing the fines is only part of the solution. It is heading up a national stakeholder group to develop an action plan.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
