• Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

North East Connected

Hopping Across The North East From Hub To Hub

Responsible dog ownership campaign arrives in Horden

Screen Shot 2015-11-26 at 13.02.40A campaign to promote responsible dog ownership will be taking place in Horden throughout next week.

Durham County Council, along with partner organisations, will be carrying out a range of activities and events in the village from Monday 30 November.

The aim is to tackle dog fouling and encourage residents to be responsible dog owners by picking up after their pet.

There will be a free microchipping event on Tuesday 1 December from 2pm until 4pm at Horden Youth and Community Centre in Eden Street.

It comes ahead of a change in the law which will mean that all dogs aged eight weeks and over must be microchipped from 6 April, 2016.

The event will also give people the chance to join the Green Dog Walkers scheme, which is aimed at changing attitudes to dog fouling.

And, as part of the campaign, neighbourhood wardens will carry out increased patrols in the area dealing with dog fouling issues and handing out fixed penalty notices to anyone seen failing to pick up after their pet.

Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, Durham County Council, said: “We are committed to tackling dog fouling and changing attitudes among the minority of dog owners who fail to act responsibly.

“Our Green Dog Walkers scheme is a great way to do this as it involves volunteers wearing a badge signifying their commitment to responsible dog ownership.

“We would also remind people that it is an offence to fail to clean up dog waste and you could be issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice or taken to court and fined up to £1,000.”

Dog fouling can be reported at www.durham.gov.uk/dogfouling or by calling 03000 261 000. For more information about the Green Dog Walkers scheme visit www.durham.gov.uk/greendogwalkers where you can download an application form, email civicpride@durham.gov.uk or call 03000 261 000.

Screen Shot 2015-11-26 at 13.02.40

By admin