Anger over dog fouling rise in village

Horden residents are outraged at the increase in dog fouling on paths and gardens near their homes.
Horden councillor June Clark, with PCSO David Edson, left, East Durham Home's Alan Cossey and neighbourhood warden Kendra Milne, right, concerned about the amount of dog dirt being left on pavements around Eden Vale.Horden councillor June Clark, with PCSO David Edson, left, East Durham Home's Alan Cossey and neighbourhood warden Kendra Milne, right, concerned about the amount of dog dirt being left on pavements around Eden Vale.
Horden councillor June Clark, with PCSO David Edson, left, East Durham Home's Alan Cossey and neighbourhood warden Kendra Milne, right, concerned about the amount of dog dirt being left on pavements around Eden Vale.

Councillors are teaming up with Durham Police and Durham Homes to crack down on the recent increase in fouling on the Edenvale Estate and Horden areas.

Durham County Councillor June Clark is appealing for residents to report fouling incidents so police can prosecute.

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Coun Clark said: “The level of dog fouling on the paths and gardens, particularly in areas adjacent to green spaces, is definitely on the increase.

“I sometimes think it’s like painting the Forth Road Bridge. We just get people educated to act responsibly in clearing up after their animals, then it starts up again.

“There are a number of ways residents can help in tackling this unwanted blight and supporting the services to catch the culprits, but it’s nearly impossible for Neighbourhood Wardens and the police to target investigative resources unless they have intelligence from us.

“It’s vital that names, descriptions or times, are passed on to aid prosecutions.

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“The services work extremely hard on our behalf but will have more success working together.”

The fine for allowing a dog to foul is £80. New legislation is being introduced on April 6 which requires all dogs to be chipped, and it will be an offence to allow your dog to roam.

To report or to give information on dog fouling, call: 0300 0261 000. Tenants of East Durham Homes (EDH) can also call 0800 032 0835.