AFTER days of debate in The Standard’s text column about dog droppings on footpaths, Warrnambool’s mayor wants to bring pet owners to heel.
“There are no excuses,” Cr Mike Neoh said when asked for an opinion.
“It’s pretty simple. There are doggy bags along the promenade and if you are walking the dog in other areas, take your own bag.
“Most people have spare plastic bags at home — carry one in your pocket or tie it to the dog lead.
“There just needs to be more community support in self-monitoring the situation.
“Dog walkers get embarrassed when their pet does its business while other people are watching, but it’s the quieter areas where there seems to be problems.”
Council local laws say “removal of animal droppings within public space is the responsibility of the owner, who must have in their possession a bag, container or other means of removing the excrement.
“The owner must produce this means upon request, as failure to do so may result in a fine. No person in charge of a dog may allow any part of the dog’s excrement to remain on any road, or municipal place.”
Fines can be as high as $510.
Last year there were complaints about people leaving bags of dog droppings beside paths and not in bins.
pcollins@fairfaxmedia.com.au