Hidden cameras to trap Ludlow dog mess dumpers

Hi-tech spying methods could be used to catch dog owners who are letting their pets use a memorial garden in Ludlow as a toilet, it has been revealed.

Surveillance cameras could be hidden in fizzy drinks cans and patrols could be carried out as part of a crackdown on dog fouling. It comes after 17 incidents were reported at the town's Garden of Rest in just one day.

An online 'wall of shame' could also be set up on Ludlow Town Council's website with pictures of offending owners and their pets, council staff have said.

Sightings of owners not cleaning up after their dogs have also been reported in other areas of the town such as Lower Galdeford.

Now officials at Ludlow Town Council have promised to take drastic measures and get tough to make owners tidy up after their pets.

Veronica Calderbank, town clerk, said ideas such as hidden cameras, CCTV and increased patrols should be considered.

She said: "A man came into the town council offices in Ludlow with a bag containing 17 examples of dog fouling from the Garden of Rest.

"We are not responsible for collecting the dog mess in Ludlow and we have been urging the council for action.

"If people want to take photos of these offenders and send them into the town council we will put them on the council website.

"Shropshire Council is the only ones which can enforce the law. We have the technology to put cameras in coke cans, we just need to do it."

Shirehall officials said they would step up patrols.

Martin Bennett, Shropshire Council's deputy cabinet member, said: "Apart from the health concerns, dog mess is also a real nuisance and it unfairly gives all those responsible dog owners a bad name."

By Peter Finch