Council vows to act after complaints over dog fouling around Sinclairtown school

According to angry parent Glenda Altoft, pavements in Roomlin Gardens and Viewforth Street are often covered in animal faeces.

She said: “It’s so bad I have to walk my two children on the road. It’s very rarely cleaned up by the council and when it rains it gets smeared all along the pavement, it’s just appalling.”

Furthermore, dog owners were allowing animals to soil on grass in the school playground.

Mrs Altoft (43) said: “It’s ignorance and it’s downright dangerous.”

While stressing most local dog owners were responsible, Fiona Simpson, headteacher, confirmed the school had a problem with repeat offenders.

She said: “The children can get quite upset. One area where we often find fouling is at the back of the school, out of sight, where the little ones play.

“We found two large ‘offerings’ left near the children’s play frames recently. Whoever left those must have known.”

Dawn Jamieson, team manager (Safer Communities), said Fife Council would step up patrols to catch offenders and she also urged people to report instances of dog fouling.

“They can choose to do this anonymously and the information can help to identify an offender and the best time for officers to catch them walking their dog,” she said.

Cllr Pat Callaghan, executive spokesman for environment and transportation, commented: “I am really angry that dog owners are allowing their pets to foul anywhere in Fife but especially around our schools. It is completely unacceptable.

“This impacts on everyone in our communities. Aside from the obvious unpleasantness, dog fouling can also pose a significant health risk, particularly for children.

“I hope the increased presence of officers will once again demonstrate that the people of Fife will not tolerate dog owners who break the law.”

From April, dog fouling fines increase from £40 to £80. Call 03451 55 00 22 or email [email protected].