Council joins forces with private sector to tackle dog fouling

Scottish Borders Council will work alongside a private firm who are to appoint two enforcement officers to issue tickets for dog fouling, and littering, targeting known problem areas across the region. Alongside enforcement, the officers will also fulfil an education role.

Councillors agreed to the pilot, believed to be the first time a Scottish council and private company have teamed up to tackle the problem of dog fouling.

It should be in place in time for the increase in fixed penalties for dog fouling doubling to £80 on April 1 (bringing it into line with the fine for littering offences), and microchipping of dogs being made compulsory from April 6.

Fixed penalties are an alternative to prosecution but the council “fully intends” to forward cases to the Procurator Fiscal for prosecution through the criminal courts.

SBC’s Councillor David Paterson, said: “With enforcement officers soon in place, those who let their dog foul or litter should be aware they risk being fined £80 or ending up in court.