A SPECIAL EFFORT put in place last week to raise the profile to dog mess in Moray communities did not result in any ‘on the spot’ fines in one of the most badly affected towns.
Lossiemouth’s East and West beaches have become particular problem areas with growing complaints from residents over dog fouling, as well as in the town’s streets and park areas.
Last night Community Councillors in the town were told that ‘Operation Typhoon’ was conducted throughout last week by community wardens throughout Moray. However, the report from community warden Tim Betts noted that while patrols continued to deter offenders, no fixed penalty notices were issued.
Mr Betts reported: “In response to numerous concerns raised about dog fouling an awareness and enforcement initiative, Operation Typhoon, has been started.
“Last week Community Wardens conducted early morning plain clothes patrols at hot spot areas throughout Moray including in the vicinity of Hythehill Primary School, Shore Street, Clifton Road, east beach caravan park and Seatown.”
The areas patrolled have been among those identified by wardens and the public as particular problem areas in Moray. Any dog owner failing to pick up after their dogs are now liable to an £80 fixed penalty notice – however, only one of these has been issued throughout Moray over the last month.
Anyone wishing to highlight particular instances of dog fouling are being asked to contact their community warden:
Lossiemouth – Tim Betts, 07800 670665
Keith – Donna Jamieson, 07966 120582
Forres & Speyside – David Haytack, 07800 670666
Buckie – Chris Haywood, 07800 670662