Only TWO Highland dog fouling fines issued since 2021

Inverness: It’s pretty wild, but only two fines for dog fouling have been handed out in the Highland area since 2021. Local politicians are calling out pet owners who are being “lazy and selfish” about cleaning up after their dogs.

Even though there have been just two fines, the council has received around 107 complaints about dog fouling each year since early 2021. And guess what? No fines have been issued this year as of September 1, 2024. But the two £80 fines from the past have been paid up.

The low number of fines isn’t shocking, considering the council’s community works officers have a lot on their plate. They deal with everything from dog fouling to abandoned vehicles and littering across the Highland region.

The Highland Council mentioned that there’s currently only one community works officer in the area, which makes it tough to keep up with all these issues. Local MSPs and councillors are voicing their concerns about how to tackle this problem effectively.

Black Isle councillor Sarah Atkin pointed out that with only two fines, people are right to wonder why they even bother publicizing them. She thinks it’s hard to gather enough evidence to issue fines, and she plans to bring this up with the committee chair.

Ariane Burgess, another MSP, emphasized that while most dog owners are responsible, it’s crucial to enforce the law against those who aren’t. She praised the Green Dog Walkers scheme but stressed the need for real enforcement.

Emma Roddick, also an MSP, expressed disappointment that the community impact isn’t enough to motivate some dog owners to clean up. She believes fines can be a deterrent, but only if people think they might get caught.

A spokesperson for the Highland Council explained that officers need to witness the offense, and most dog fouling happens when they’re off duty. They’ve tried evening and early morning patrols but haven’t seen much success.

The council is committed to educating the public and working with communities to reduce dog fouling. They’re putting up posters and increasing patrols in problem areas, hoping to make a difference.