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Dog
fouling Bill is part of new Scottish initiative
Measures
clamping down on dog fouling in public places could be set to
improve the quality of life of communities across Scotland.
Minister for Finance and Public Services Andy Kerr last week
underlined his support for the Members' Bill on Dog Fouling,
saying it was an integral part of the Scottish Executive’s
Quality of Life initiative to improve the local environment
and the quality of people’s daily lives.
The Dog fouling Bill was introduced to parliament by Keith Harding
MSP last year and includes measures which would:
n change the current offence from one of allowing a dog to foul
to one of failing to clean up after a dog;
n allow the police and local authorities to enforce new offence
provisions by way of a fixed penalty notices as opposed to going
through the courts; and
n remove the need for corroborating evidence which currently
causes difficulties.
Mr Kerr said: "Local residents have the right to expect
streets which are clean and free from the nuisance and health
risks often caused by dog fouling. That is why we are supporting
this bill and working with Keith Harding MSP to ensure locals
communities are spared from the unpleasantness of dog fouling.
"Supporting the Bill is part of our focus on our Quality
of Life initiative, launched last year, aimed at making a real
difference in our communities by improving local environments
and the quality of people’s daily lives by dealing with
local concerns such as litter, graffiti, and dog fouling.
"The Scottish Executive are fully committed to improving
the quality of life of our communities. We gave £95 million
to local authorities in 2002 to fund local projects and a further
£180 million was also set aside in the Budget for the
next three years to help drive it forward.
"While enforcement will undoubtedly play a vital part in
this Bill, it is also essential that we educate and encourage
dog owners to change their attitude and act more responsibly.
That is why we have committed £100,000 to a publicity
campaign should the Bill successfully complete its passage.
"I know this is an important issues for our local communities
and although there are still some issues to be resolved, I hope
we can work together to ensure this Bill completes its passage
before the end of the parliament. I am certain that this Bill
will make a real difference across Scotland."
Speaking to OUR DOGS earlier this week Allan Sim, Secretary
General of the Scottish Kennel Club, said, ‘We were happy
to have an input into the bill at committee stages and broadly
welcome its aims and good intentions. We have noted its progress
and, if asked, the SKC will be happy to contribute again.’
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