Million Poop Scoop giveaway

One million free poop scoop bags have been handed out to dog owners in East Durham in a bid to combat dog fouling.

District of Easington Council are giving away the bags as part of a campaign to remind owners to take their responsibility to clean up after their pets seriously.

Since April, the authority has issued 58 fines for dog fouling and pursued a number of prosecutions through the courts. The poop scoop bags have been bought using the money collected through fines paid.

Coun George Patterson, the council’s Executive Member for Liveability, said: “The Million Poop Scoop giveaway means owners will have absolutely no excuse for allowing their dog to foul.

“Dog fouling is a criminal offence and something we continue to crack down on in District of Easington.

“Our environmental and street wardens are constantly on the look out for people flouting the law so I would urge residents to pick up their share of free bags and make sure they use them.”

Under the Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, anyone failing to clean up after their pet could face a £50 fixed penalty fine or even a court appearance, with a possible fine of up to £1,000.

The Million Poop Scoop giveaway was launched by Tidy Ted, the Pride in Easington mascot, and pupils from Hutton Henry Primary School.

To find out your nearest distribution point for poop scoop bags contact Envirocall on (0191) 527 5040.

As part of the campaign residents are also being urged to report incidents of dog fouling.

Coun Patterson added: “We want everyone to play their part in tackling dog fouling in District of Easington. If residents know of someone who allows their dog to foul or stray we want them to report it so we can visit the perpetrator, or even target our patrols in a specific area.”

Reports can be made anonymously by calling (0191) 527 5040.