Dog owners in Telford have been warned they will be fined if they let their dogs foul in public places.

The Wrockwardine Wood & Trench Local Policing Team has linked up with Telford & Wrekin Council’s Dog Warden section in an attempt to tackle dog fouling and nuisance dogs following dozens of complaints from members of the public. Leaflets have gone out across the area.

The partnership came about after local residents raised concerns about the issue.

Constable John Walters said leaflets had been distributed across the area to crack down on dog fouling.

He said: “In response to concerns expressed by local residents, dog warden Barry Robertson, assisted by myself and Community Support Officer Richard Harrison, carried out targeted patrols in areas where dog fouling had been raised as a problem.

“Although during our patrols no offences were detected, many law-abiding dog walkers and users of the park areas said they were pleased to see the work being carried out in their parish to combat the problem.

“More than 26 leaflets detailing how to report offences and guidance on dog walking were given out at various locations while we were on patrol and while the council and the police initially aim to educate people rather than punish them.

“We do always have the option of a £50 on the spot fine should we come across persistent offenders.

“The two issues we have tackled recently – graffiti and dog fouling – have been recurring themes at the Pact meetings we organise in Wrockwardine Wood & Trench and therefore we have been determined to tackle the problems.

“We will continue to monitor these issues but would also like to remind local residents that if they have any other issues that they’d like us to address then we can be contacted on our MessageLine number which is (01952) 214 558.”

To find out more about Pact, or your own Local Policing Team, please log on to the Local Policing section of the West Mercia Police website at www.westmercia.police.uk/localpolicing/

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